Poets, Journalists, Researchers Awarded Literary Prize

The 7th Ranieri Filo della Torre literary prize concluded with an award ceremony last month at Palazzo della Valle, Confagricoltura’s headquarters in Rome.

Twelve awards were handed out to authors of olive oil-themed literary and scientific works, and newly introduced special awards were given to professionals for outstanding olive oil sector communication.

“The objective we have set ourselves at the establishment of the contest is to enhance the strong interconnection between the olive tree and olive oil and culture,” said Loriana Abbruzzetti, the creator of the prize and president of Pandolea, a non-profit that brings together women in the olive oil sector.

See Also: Cultural Events in Southern Italy Combine Music, Nature and Olive Oil

The contest was conceived to pay homage to Ranieri Filo della Torre, an important Italian olive-growing figure passionate about art and culture.

Over time, it has become an esteemed event in the olive oil sector and an occasion to launch Pandolea’s national and international health and education projects.

Last year’s prize was included in the celebrations of the association’s 20th anniversary, when the Cyrene Project, a pact for women’s health, was launched to spread healthy eating habits and lifestyle based on the Mediterranean diet.

“The award is divided into two categories: the scientific one, which rewards degree and doctorate theses, and the literary one, which rewards short stories, poems and haiku, a newly added section,” Abbruzzetti said.

“All the works highlight the history, regions, successes, traditions and innovations in olive growing,” she added. “The scientific works cover the latest research developments and address current challenges.”

“In this edition, we also introduced the special awards for olive oil communication,” Abbruzzetti noted. “We believe that the work of communicators in this sector is fundamental to disseminating the culture of quality.”

The special awards were won by Nerina di Nunzio, a food and wine expert; Sabrina Pupillo, a food technologist and influencer; Luciana Squadrilli, a food and wine journalist; and Marzia Roncacci, a journalist and television host. The winners received paintings and photographs from Italian visual artists.

Participation in the contest is free and open to all. In this seventh edition, 50 authors competed for the three podium places in each section.

During the event, the group of actors Lettori giUlivi read the winning works, some of which were published in the anthology Un filo d’olio by La Ruota Editrice.

Nerina Poggese, Tiziana Monari, and Sebastiano Mario Fiori are the poetry section winners (listed from first to third).

The short story section winners are Francesca Pecorella, Nerina Poggese and Sergio Malvasi.

The haiku section winners are Emanuela Capodarco, Antonio Sacco and Antonietta Tiberia.

The scientific section winners are Giuliana Prevete, with the PhD thesis “Liposomes as a versatile tool for the delivery of natural antimicrobials;” Andrea Fornetti, with the degree thesis “Evaluation of the new-concept rotating effects on quality and yield at the extraction of virgin olive oils;” and Luigi Pacchiani, with the bachelor thesis “Enhancement of nutraceuticals properties of extra virgin olive oil through the use of its waste.”

Pandolea’s website and social media provide information about the Ranieri Filo della Torre Literary Prize, including how to register for the next edition and about Pandolea’s initiatives.

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