Abstract

Over 7 million tonnes of solid Olive Oil Waste are produced in the Mediterranean each year [1], however the European Union does not provide specific provisions or regulations for the processing or disposal of Olive Mill Wastes [2]. Known as Olive ‘Pomace’, these wastes are an environmental hazard. The current waste management practices in the olive oil sector result in environmental problems such as soil contamination, underground seepage, water-bodies pollution and foul odor emissions [3]. Olive Waste treated in Pomace factories produces air pollution while having a low caloric fuel value of 20 MJ/kg which is less than coal, and over 50% less than natural gas and oil [4].

Attempts to use Olive Waste as an animal feed while showing a variety of benefits have been shown not to be commercially viable due to problems with Digestibility, Palatability and Safety [5,6]. The Olive Feed Corporation have invented a proprietary cooking process which solves the issues of Digestibility, Palatability and Safety that have previously prevented the successful commercial establishment of Olive Waste or Olive ‘Pomace’ as an animal feed. The final meat product known as “Olive Fed Wagyu’ showed significant improvements in flavour, texture andoverall eating experience, while also delivering an increase in revenue to the farmers producing the meat.