RENOWNED FOR ITS QUALITY AND TASTE: WHAT IS AWARD-WINNING OLIVE OIL?

RENOWNED FOR ITS QUALITY AND TASTE: WHAT IS AWARD-WINNING OLIVE OIL?

RENOWNED FOR ITS QUALITY AND TASTE: WHAT IS AWARD-WINNING OLIVE OIL?

Choosing a high-quality, natural olive oil isn’t just about great taste—it’s also about reaping the full range of health benefits. But how do you know which olive oil is truly the best? One way to spot a standout is by looking at the awards it has won. But what exactly does it take for an olive oil to win these prestigious awards?

In this post, we’ll take you through some of the world’s most famous olive oil competitions and reveal the key factors experts consider when crowning the winners.

WHAT IS AN AWARD WINNING OLIVE OIL

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that olive oil, renowned for enhancing the flavor and aroma of our meals, takes center stage in global competitions for its exceptional quality. Around the world, competitions are held to recognize the finest and highest-quality olive oils. The winners of these prestigious contests earn the coveted title of 'award-winning olive oil.'

But what does it take to win such an award? Olive oil producers from all over the globe participate in these events, where their oils go through a rigorous evaluation process. This involves two key steps: a chemical analysis to test the purity and quality of the oil, followed by a sensory test, where a panel of experts evaluates its taste.

To become an award-winning olive oil, a product must pass these tests and prove its quality at prestigious competitions. Producers typically send in their samples about a month ahead of time, along with chemical test results confirming that the oil is pure and extra virgin. From there, oils are judged based on these samples, with winners emerging after thorough evaluation.

Now, you might be wondering—do judges know the brand or country of origin during the tasting? The answer is no. During the sensory test, olive oils are given a code, so the jury evaluates them without any bias toward brand or nationality. It’s all about the taste. In the end, the olive oils are judged solely on the tasting criteria, ensuring that only the best rise to the top.





KEY CRITERIA IN OLIVE OIL AWARDS

A thorough evaluation of olive oils is conducted, focusing on both chemical test results and sensory characteristics.

Let’s dive into the first step: the chemical testing phase. This part is vital for determining how olive oil is classified. Conducted in a lab, these tests check whether the oil meets the required standards. They measure key factors like free acidity (often referred to as the acid level) and peroxide value (which indicates the oil's freshness). In competitions, the submitted chemical test results are double-checked to ensure the oil’s purity and quality.

Once the chemical tests are out of the way, it’s time for the exciting part: the tasting! Here, oils are evaluated based on their sensory attributes. Judges look for three main characteristics: fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency. Let’s break these down a bit:

  • Fruitiness
    The region and variety of the olives play a significant role in the oil’s aroma. Think fresh grass, artichoke, or even apple—these scents and flavors define the oil’s unique character.
  • Bitterness
    Since olives naturally have a bitter taste, high-quality olive oil should also reflect this. The lingering bitterness in your mouth is actually a good sign.
  • Pungency
    This burning sensation in your throat when you swallow the oil is another positive trait, often related to its bitterness. The level of pungency varies from one oil to another.

With these criteria in mind, a panel of expert judges tastes and scores all the olive oils in the competition. The oils that shine in both taste and quality are recognized and celebrated.

Curious to learn more about the fascinating world of olive oil tasting? Check out our article, “Golden Standards for Olive Oil Tasting,” for deeper insights.

FAMOUS OLIVE OIL COMPETITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

There are olive oil competitions held in various countries where olive oils are evaluated based on the criteria mentioned above. Producers from all over the world can participate in these competitions, showcasing the quality of their products on a global stage.

Here are a few notable ones:

  • EVO International Olive Oil Contest (EVO IOOC), Italy
  • Japan Olive Oil Prize (JOOP), Japan
  • Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competitions (LA EVOO), USA
  • London International Olive Oil Competitions (LIOOC), UK
  • Canada International Olive Oil Competitions (CIOOC), Canada
  • Terra Olivo International Olive Oil Competitions (Terraolivo IOOC), Israel

In addition to these renowned competitions, there are many others, such as the Anatolian IOOC in Turkey and Olivinus in Argentina. For an olive oil producer, the goal is to earn high scores in these competitions to celebrate quality with awards.

However, producing award-winning olive oil is a delicate and meticulous process. While the quality of the olives is crucial, it's not the only factor that influences the quality of the oil. Establishing quality standards during the production phase and utilizing modern production techniques are also essential for achieving high-quality olive oil. Therefore, being able to produce olive oil in a controlled and precise manner is the most critical aspect in determining the oil's quality standards.





At Gaia Oliva, we are committed to producing high-quality and delicious olive oil through careful craftsmanship. Our dedication to flavor and quality has earned us awards from some of the most prestigious competitions in the world. Since 2021, our Premium Memecik and Premium Ayvalık early harvest olive oils have won 71 gold medals, 21 silver medals, 5 Grand Prestige Gold Awards, and the Best in Class Award in international competitions. We are also proud to be ranked 11th among the top 100 olive oil producers in the world in the EVOOWR (World Ranking of Extra Virgin Olive Oil) for 2023.

If you’d like to reward yourself with our award-winning olive oil varieties, be sure to check out our Gaia Oliva Early Harvest Olive Oils.


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