On May 7th, the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable® (MDR®), the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA), and the World Bank hosted the inaugural Mediterranean Fest & Awards Ceremony at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
The event paid special tribute to outstanding leaders in the food industry for promoting health and wellness across different environments. It was a powerful celebration of the Mediterranean Diet, with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) at the very heart of the conversation. With Extra Virgin Olive Oil now officially recognized on the US Food Pyramid, there is much to celebrate.
Organized by the MDR®—founded by communications strategist and Mediterranean lifestyle advocate Daniela Puglielli—the gathering highlighted the rapidly growing influence of the Mediterranean Diet in America. As a family-owned producer of premium extra virgin olive oil in Tuscany, Italy, Olio Piro made sure to be part of the celebration.
The event brought together an extraordinary community of leaders in nutrition, public health, food policy, research, medicine, hospitality, and agriculture, all united by a shared belief: Food can be one of the most powerful tools for improving human health and strengthening communities.
Thought Leadership at the Intersection of Food & Health
A highlight of the evening was the keynote presentation by Dr. Darius Mozaffarian, Director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University and one of the world's leading authorities on nutrition science. Through decades of research and more than 600 scientific publications, Dr. Mozaffarian has championed evidence-based approaches to improving nutrition security, reducing chronic disease, and building healthier food systems.
Following the awards, guests moved through the incredible architectural layout of the World Bank building to experience an abundant assemblage of international tasting stations and cooking demos. These elements were expertly designed by the World Bank’s exceptional culinary team, headed by Chef Nick Cavaretta.
The event also featured pivotal remarks from special guests:
- Kyle Diamantas, J.D., Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Calley Means, Senior Adviser at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Their leadership reflects the increasing national focus on nutrition, food safety, and policies that support healthier choices for Americans. Together, their participation underscored a central theme of the evening: the future of healthcare depends not only on medicine but also on the quality of the food we grow, serve, and consume.
Honoring Leaders Advancing Health Through Food
The MDR® fosters collaboration among experts across multiple sectors. The awards ceremony recognized an exceptional group of individuals whose work has shaped healthier communities through science, education, healthcare, institutional dining, culinary innovation, and public advocacy.
Among the honorees was Dr. Artemis P. Simopoulos, Founder and President of the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health. A pioneering researcher, her work on omega-3 fatty acids and the Mediterranean Diet helped establish the scientific foundation for many of today's nutrition recommendations.
Other award recipients included leaders from world-class institutions united by a common mission to advance public health through nutritious, evidence-based food choices. These institutions included:
- The World Bank Group
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Cleveland Clinic
- The Ohio State University Medical Center
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Cambridge Health Alliance
A Milestone for Extra Virgin Olive Oil
All of us at Olio Piro were especially pleased to see Joseph R. Profaci, Executive Director of the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA), among the honorees. For years, the NAOOA has played a crucial role in educating consumers, promoting quality standards, supporting scientific research, and building confidence in extra virgin olive oil as a cornerstone of healthy eating.
Under Profaci's leadership, the organization has continuously elevated awareness of EVOO's nutritional benefits and culinary versatility in North America. Today, extra virgin olive oil is increasingly embraced not just by chefs and consumers, but by healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
“Extra Virgin Olive Oil is having a moment. As nutrition guidance continues to emphasize healthy plant-based fats, olive oil has become a symbol of a broader shift toward preventive health and evidence-based nutrition.” — Joseph R. Profaci, Executive Director of the NAOOA
From our perspective in Tuscany, Olio Piro believes that extra virgin olive oil is far more than an ingredient. It embodies the values that define the Mediterranean lifestyle: simplicity, quality, balance, sustainability, and the enjoyment of wholesome foods shared around the table. The growing appreciation for these principles in the United States suggests a promising future—one where food is viewed as a true investment in long-term health, well-being, and connection.
Looking Ahead: The Future Table
What made this event so memorable was the recognition that meaningful progress requires collaboration. Researchers, physicians, chefs, food service leaders, educators, policymakers, and producers all have a vital role to play in shaping healthier communities.
For those of us in the olive oil sector, the evening was incredibly encouraging. The conversations taking place at the highest levels of healthcare and public policy increasingly reflect what Mediterranean cultures have understood for centuries: healthy, unprocessed foods—and especially high-quality extra virgin olive oil—can contribute significantly to longevity and overall wellness.
The inaugural MDR® Mediterranean Fest & Awards Ceremony was a powerful reminder that the future of public health begins with something as simple as what we choose to bring to the table.
Following the MDR® Mediterranean Fest & Awards Ceremony, the conversation continued with a focus on olive oil quality and standards.
On May 8, the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) hosted a sensory analysis workshop in Washington, D.C., in support of its Standard of Identity petition. The workshop brought together FDA chemists and staff members from influential congressional offices for a hands-on introduction to extra virgin olive oil sensory evaluation and quality assessment. Olio Piro was proud to attend and support this important initiative, which reflects the industry's ongoing commitment to strengthening quality standards, consumer confidence, and the recognition of authentic extra virgin olive oil in the United States.
Learn more about the organizations shaping the future of food:
- Discover the initiatives of the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable (MDR)
- Explore the resources provided by the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA)
