Through a series of activities, the aim is to promote and emphasise the importance of carob in the context of the region.

The fruit, the carob, due to the numerous uses that its pulp has already been given, contributes to the special qualities and flavours of confectionery, beverage production, baking, seasonings, sweeteners and other food products, contributing to the differentiation of our gastronomy. This is in addition to the many edible and non-edible products that include the different components of the carob seed.

The programme for this initiative therefore includes, on the 18th, starting at 3pm, in the Auditorium of the Convento do Espírito Santo, a round table to discuss the production, transformation and valorisation of carob, based on the diagnosis and perspective of the contribution of the different entities. The moderator will be Miguel Freitas, a lecturer at the University of Algarve and a consultant. The opening session will be attended by the vice-president of the Loulé Municipality, David Pimentel. Next will be the speeches by Vitor Neto, president of NERA - Algarve Regional Business Association, Pedro Correia, professor at the University of Algarve, Pedro Valadas Monteiro, vice-president of CCDR Algarve, Arlete Rodrigues, from the board of the IN LOCO Association, José Filipe, technician at AGRUPA Cooperative, and Ismael Chorondo, manager of Chorondo e Filhos lda.

On Saturday, the 19th, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, the Cerca and Cloister of the Convento do Espírito Santo will be the place to sell products containing carob. It is also here that, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, an exhibition will be on display, as well as the presentation of research work and demonstrations on the theme of carob production and transformation.

At the end of the day, there will be a tourist and cultural walking tour dedicated to the dryland orchard, in the surrounding area of ​​the city of Loulé, with a visit to the Dried Fruit Museum.

Registration for participation in the sales area is open until October 10th, while registration for participation in the round table and the tour is open until October 15th, but is limited.

For more information and registration: Loulé City Council, Local Economy, Commerce and Tourism Division, telephone 289 400 829 / email: gae@cm-loule.pt