Mario was born in Verona and is married with two children, Valentina and Matteo. After the diploma of commercial technician, always in contact with the oil mill, he played many roles in the various sectors and lastly as “PRODUCTION DIRECTOR”. Quality-conscious, supporter of the comparison to grow and spread the culture of olive oil, in 1985 he attended the first ONAOO Technical course, which was followed by other specialization courses in the following years. Since 2004 he has been registered on the National List of expert technicians of virgin and extra virgin olive oils. In 2005 he enrolled as a Professional Taster in the ONAOO Register and regularly attends refresher courses and tasting sessions organized by the School. From 2006 to 2018 he was a member of the ONAOO Board of Directors; from 2019 he became part of the Council as Arbitrator.
Ece, born in Izmir, Turkey, in 1990, is a marketing entrepreneur and founder of Olizzi Olive Oils. Ece holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Middle East Technical University and an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, U.S. She began her professional career in the marketing department of Coca-Cola, where she gained valuable experience in brand management and consumer engagement.
Her passion for gastronomy and dining is rooted in the dynamic culinary scene of Istanbul, a city where she co-founded Sonradan Gurmeler, a food events group that organized activities and wrote for local newspapers and blogs.
These projects resulted in the publication of the book Yerim Seni İstanbul, which pays tribute to the rich food tradition of the Turkish capital. While residing in the United States, Ece founded Olizzi, inspired by her own Mediterranean origins and the ambition to promote high-quality Turkish olive oil on the international market. In addition to developing her brand, she further expanded her industry expertise by attending courses at O.N.A.O.O., where she qualified as a professional olive oil taster in 2024. Her interest in the sensory world also extends to honey, another food product of international significance exported from Turkey.
This product has caught her attention for its unique and beneficial properties. Ece is a firm believer in the principle that “you are what you eat,” which guides her commitment to health and the cultural significance of food. She is a natural marketing activist and superfood advocate, dedicated to promoting and sharing Turkey’s culinary treasures with the world. Her mission is to enhance the richness of Mediterranean cuisine and spread the health benefits of quality food products, focusing on innovative branding and an unwavering focus on authenticity.
Dino has been a Member of the Organization since 1989 and he is a Professional Taster since 1991. Dino is also a Member of the ONAOO Tasting Committee (Panel).
I was born in 1970, married and have a daughter. I live in Linguizzetta, Corsica, where I have my business. In 2014 I became the manager of the SARL Moulin Oltremonti (Linguizzetta, Corsica), where I deal with the management of the olive oil mill (two-phase Pieralisi). I have been an olive oil producer and farmer since 2008. I created the 35 hectare olive oil company, with 15 hectares of olive groves, and a nursery for the reproduction of Corsican olive trees.
Elia Pellegrino was born in Bari on February 17, 1968, and currently resides in Andria (BT).
He is married with two children and holds a degree in Certified Accountant Programmer. He has been an ONAOO professional taster since 1997. Since 1991, Elia has served as the sole director of Azienda Olearia PELLEGRINO1890 S.r.l. (www.oliopellegrino.it). He is an agricultural entrepreneur operating a one-man business.
In 2022, he assumed the role of president of AIFO (www.associazionefrantoiani.it), succeeding in 2012 when he was elected vice president. Since 2018, he has served as vice president of OP Aproli Bari scarl (www.aproli.it) and board member of Filiera Olivicola Olearia Italiana FOOI. He has been a board member of Consorzio Olio IGP Puglia since 2021.
Quality-conscious, supporter of the comparison to grow and spread the culture of olive oil, in 1985 he attended the first ONAOO Technical course, which was followed by other specialization courses in the following years. Since 2004 he has been registered on the National List of expert technicians of virgin and extra virgin olive oils. In 2005 he enrolled as a Professional Taster in the ONAOO Register and regularly attends refresher courses and tasting sessions organized by the School.
Training as professional olive oil tasters is not only a personal pleasure: the universe that revolves around olive oil and its supply chain also offers a wide range of job, growth and specialization opportunities.
The advanced course allows you to consolidate and deepen your knowledge of oil tasting and obtain the qualification of ONAOO Professional Taster, but above all, to be included in the "International Register of Professional Tasters".
Participants learn about varieties, processing, and sensory tasting, with practical exercises under the guidance of experts.
Participants are invited to recognize strengths, weaknesses, qualities and organoleptic characteristics of the various oils