CITOLIVA is launching a pioneering line of research in 2026 based on advanced lipidomics techniques

The Foundation held its Board of Trustees meeting, where the roadmap for the coming year was presented. Among the main new developments, the launch of a new line of research in the field of food and health stood out, which will open new opportunities in the development of healthier and more functional foods.

At the meeting, the Action Plan for 2026 was approved and the positions in its governing bodies were renewed, with the entities that had been performing them remaining: Grupo Interóleo in the presidency; Cooperativas Agroalimentarias de Andalucía in the vice-presidency; Grupo Ofiteat in the secretariat; and, as members, the Trade Agency, Caja Rural and the University of Jaén (UJA).

During the meeting, the 2025 R&D&I activity report was presented, reflecting very positive progress. Throughout the year, there has been a significant increase in the number of projects with national and European scope. Regarding the funding source for CITOLIVA's own budget in this area, 47% comes from national calls for proposals and approximately 25% from European programs.

This evolution not only consolidates the Foundation's recent trajectory, but also lays the groundwork for advancing two of its major strategic objectives for 2026: on the one hand, expanding its scope of action at the regional, national and European levels; and, on the other hand, strengthening and increasing the number of clients and partners involved in the various innovation projects.

During the meeting, the launch in 2026 of a new research line focused on the comprehensive study of lipids present in virgin olive oils and other foods was also announced. The work will address their structure, function, and behavior throughout technological, digestive, and storage processes. This research will be supported by advanced lipidomics techniques, allowing for a more precise understanding of the role these compounds play in food quality and their impact on health. With this initiative, included in the "Food and Health" area, CITOLIVA strengthens its scientific capacity and opens new avenues for the development of healthier and more functional foods.

Alongside this new line of work, in 2026 CITOLIVA will continue its work in other strategic areas where it is already actively involved. In the area of “Quality and Sustainability,” research on the formation of MOSH-MOAH compounds throughout the virgin olive oil and pomace oil production chain will continue. The Agro-Live Natural Allies service, focused on the biological control of pests in woody crops, will also continue to be actively developed, following its success since its launch in 2025. This success is largely due to its ability to promote biodiversity as a key tool for improving crop health and reducing dependence on pesticides.

The planned R&D&I activity for 2026 will allow CITOLIVA to reinforce its position as a leader in innovation at the regional, national, and European levels. In Andalusia, it will consolidate its role as a driving force for innovation, promoting projects focused on digitalization, applied research, and enhancing the quality of olive oil. Nationally, it will advance key technologies such as artificial intelligence, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and molecular biology, applied both to the digitalization of olive groves and to improving food quality. And at the European level, the proposals will connect the Foundation's research activity with major challenges such as the green transition, climate resilience, and the "zero pollution" approach, thus expanding the impact of the R&D&I carried out by CITOLIVA.

In parallel, work will continue on cooperative projects, maintaining an active strategy of attracting cooperative projects in 2026, which will allow strengthening its positioning both in European networks and in national and regional alliances, with digitalization, sustainability and health as cross-cutting axes of growth.

Finally, the CITOLIVA Tasting Panel will continue to be an essential pillar. The International Olive Council (IOC) has once again recognized it with its highest international distinction for the period 2025–2026, consolidating its position as a global leader in the sensory evaluation of virgin olive oils. Its international reach continues to expand, with a presence in more than ten countries, including Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, and Morocco.