For the first time, Israel will become the focal point for the International "Terra Olivo" Mediterranean Olive Oil Competition, as hundreds of world renowned food industry executives, nutritional experts, medical professionals and chefs will converge upon the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, July 25-29, 2010.

During the course of the Competition, hundreds of Extra Virgin Olive Oils from all over the world will be on display for tasting by panels of international judges. On Wednesday, July 28th, the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel will host a day-long conference for industry professionals on the olive oil revolution in Israel - quality, culinary art and nutrition and a discussion on the latest global health trends, which are being spurred by the use of premium olive oils and olive oil based products including: foods, cosmetics and vitamin derivatives.

The afternoon of the conference (14:45 - 17:15) will include, for the first time in Israel, an olive oil tasting of a selection of extra virgin oils from Israel , guided by a panel of leading experts in the field. This unique workshop will be open to the general public, by advance reservation.

The hotel will also host two lavish olive oil themed dinners on July 28 and July 29, where an array of culinary delights will be prepared by the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel's Executive Chef, Itzik Barak. Guests and visiting tourists are invited to participate in the themed dinners by contacting the hotel and making reservations in advance with the hotel.

The "Terra Olivo" event will take place in the shadows of the nearby Mt. of Olives, so designated by residents of the region for the thousands of olive trees that are part of the mountain's landscape. Israel has been a mecca of olive oil production since the Temple era, when the Israelite kings were anointed by the Holy Priest (Kohen Gadol) with olive oil.

Ancient olive oil presses have also been unearthed by archeological expeditions throughout the Holy Land, confirming that olive oil was used by local citizens for both dietary and religious purposes, as well as being prepared for export to Europe and the Far East by merchants.