The municipality of Alhaurín el Grande in Malaga has become the epicenter of the olive sector by hosting the official start of the 2026/2027 campaign for the Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP). The event gathered representatives from various public administrations, the agricultural sector, and municipalities linked to this traditional agricultural production in the province.
The mayor of Alhaurín el Grande, Anthony Bermúdez, acted as host alongside the Councilor for Economic Development, Macarena Herrera. Attendees included the territorial delegate for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of the Junta de Andalucía, Laura Soto; the vice-president of the Provincial Council, Toñi Ledesma; and the president of the Regulatory Council of the DOP Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga, José Miguel Gómez. Mayors and councilors from Álora, Casarabonela, Monda, Guaro, Pizarra, and Yunquera also participated, along with representatives from agricultural organizations ASAJA, COAG, and UPA.
Sector experts anticipate an average harvest for the 2026/2027 campaign, but with very positive product characteristics. The olives are expected to have a good size and high quality, benefiting from the low incidence of fruit fly observed. These prospects encourage optimism at the start of the harvest, revaluing the efforts of farmers who maintain cultivation methods tied to Malaga's tradition.
The Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga is distinguished by its manual harvesting method using the 'ordeño' (milking) technique, a process that allows for careful selection and collection of the fruit. Once picked, the olives are placed in baskets to prevent damage and transported to dressing industries for classification and calibration. Subsequently, they undergo a brining process with water and salt, following established procedures for their preparation: Fresh Green, Traditional, or Cured, thus preserving their unique characteristics under the protection of their Protected Designation of Origin.
Through this event, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to the agricultural sector and the promotion of local products. The Alhaurín el Grande City Council emphasizes the importance of supporting initiatives that raise awareness of the primary sector's work, strengthen the local economy, and preserve the agricultural and gastronomic traditions of the province of Málaga.
The start of the 26/27 campaign marks a new cycle for one of the province's most representative agri-food products, with favorable quality forecasts and a shared goal of continuing to consolidate the prestige of the Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga.
