Olive oils are classified through physicochemical analysis and tasting/sensory analysis, conducted by an official panel consisting of 8 to 12 experts.
The classification of an olive oil is defined by quality characteristics (dynamic parameters that evolve over time, which include, among others, sensory analysis and acidity levels) and purity characteristics (which include, among others, the composition of fatty acids and sterols) that are defined in EU Regulation 2022/2104*. Based on the various results and subsequent modifications, the oil is classified as:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (determined by tests and tasting)
• Virgin Olive Oil (determined by tests and tasting)
• Lampante Olive Oil (determined by tests and tasting)
• Refined Olive Oil
• Olive Oil composed of refined olive oil and virgin or extra virgin olive oils (marketed as Olive Oil)
• Crude Olive-Pomace Oil
• Refined Olive-Pomace Oil
• Olive-Pomace Oil (Oil composed of refined olive pomace oil and virgin olive oil)

Physicochemical Analysis:
Physicochemical tests are conducted based on internationally standardized methods, regulated by EU Regulation and the IOC* (International Olive Council, COI by its Spanish acronym). To carry them out, laboratory materials, reagents, equipment, and qualified personnel are required, which allow for the quantification of the different quality and purity parameters (acidity, peroxide index, fatty acid composition, sterols, etc.).

Tasting:
Similar to physicochemical tests, the organoleptic evaluation of virgin olive oils (tasting) is performed based on an international method* where the levels of positive attributes (fruity, pungent, and bitter) and defects of the sample are measured. In the sensory analysis, both defects and positive attributes of fruitiness are determined.

*Based on the various existing legislation regarding the characteristics of olive oil, as well as international standards such as those from the IOC and Codex.

Virgin olive oils are oils obtained from the fruit of the olive tree solely by mechanical procedures or other physical means under conditions, especially thermal, that do not cause alteration of the oil, and have not undergone any treatment other than washing, milling, decantation, centrifugation, and filtration. Within this category, extra virgin olive oil is the oil that meets the quality and purity requirements stipulated in the Regulation*, and, additionally, does not present any type of organoleptic defect. Extra virgin olive oil is of higher quality than virgin olive oil. Although the purity parameters adhere to the same standards, the main difference lies in the organoleptic analysis and some physicochemical parameters: virgin olive oil will be classified as extra virgin if it does not present any defects, while virgin olive oil allows for a moderate level of defects, up to 3.5. Within this category, virgin olive oil is the second-highest quality oil, behind extra virgin. There are some differences in terms of quality characteristics, but the purity characteristics are the same. The main difference lies in 1) the organoleptic analysis, as extra virgin olive oil lacks defects, while virgin olive oil may have a slight defect, and 2) free acidity, ≤ 0.80% for extra virgin olive oil and ≤ 2.0% for virgin olive oil.

Lampante olive oil is a virgin olive oil that comes from lower-quality olives, resulting in an oil of inferior quality compared to virgin and extra virgin. This type of oil presents organoleptic defects and physicochemical characteristics with values associated with this category (for example, acidity exceeding 2%). Because of this, it cannot be marketed in the retail market as it requires a transformation process (refining) to remove its high acidity and/or sensory defects. Lampante olive oil is not suitable for human consumption before the refining process (just like other refined oils: corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, canola oil etc).

Refined olive oil is the product obtained from subjecting lampante olive oil to a refining process. The refining process allows the reduction of acidity and the removal of organoleptic defects from lampante oil, transforming it into a commercially valuable product suitable for human consumption. This type of oil, when mixed with virgin or extra virgin olive oil, is what we find in supermarkets under the name “olive oil”, without the appellations of “virgin” or “extra virgin”. Companies often use adjectives such as “mild/light”, or “extra light”, with the main difference lying in the percentage of virgin or extra virgin oil used in the blend:

• Extra light: contains a lower percentage of virgin or extra virgin blend, resulting in an oil with less flavour and aroma.
• Mild/ Light: contains a higher percentage of virgin or extra virgin blend, resulting in an oil with more flavour and aroma.

*Based on the various existing legislation regarding the characteristics of olive oil, as well as international standards such as those from the IOC and Codex.

The refining process consists of a series of steps or treatments to turn lampante olive oil into edible refined olive oil. The main purposes of these processes are:

• Removing free fatty acids;
• Eleminating gums, such as lecithins, phospholipids, and metals, which can give the oil an undesirable appearance; and
• Stripping the oil with steam at high temperatures to remove any remaining unpleasant odours and flavours still present in the oil.

All steps are carefully monitored, and both intermediate and final products are rigorously checked for quality and compliance with legislation.

Olive oil is an ideal choice for cooking due to its versatility. Pure and extra light tasting olive oils can be used for frying, as their smoke points are higher than that of extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil, on the other hand, is a great choice for medium-low heat cooking and no-cook recipes. Moreover, because olive oil is rich in tocopherols (vitamin E), it is also used as an ingredient in cosmetic products in many parts of the world.

Extra virgin olive oils are characterised by fresh herb, vegetable, and fruit aromas, with a range of profiles from delicate to complex. Fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency are considered positive attributes of extra virgin olive oil. It is important that these intensities are balanced to create a harmonious extra virgin olive oil blend. The typical bitter and pungent flavour of extra virgin olive oils is due to the presence of phenolic compounds. In addition to contributing to its characteristic flavour, phenolic compounds prevent oxidation and, most importantly, from a nutritional and functional point of view, are associated with numerous health benefits.

The fruitiness of extra virgin olive oil is determined by volatile compounds (mainly aldehydes, ketones, esters, etc.), which are the result of metabolic pathways. These pathways are influenced by several factors, including the cultivar, geographic origin, and climate. Good agricultural practices play a crucial role in maintaining and developing the fruitiness of extra virgin olive oil. Milling, along with the choice of temperature and timing, is also critical, particularly during the malaxing process.

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to degrade from excessive heat, producing smoke that becomes visible to the naked eye.

Organic olive oil comes from organic farming, which aims to produce virgin olive oils and extra virgin olive oil without using chemical products (fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides: excluding some products for which its use is approved), thus helping to protect natural resources and biodiversity.
The organic products are certified under specific organic regulations which guarantee that all requirements are complied throughout all steps in the supply chain. The organic logo is included on the labels of these products.

Sustainable production refers to developing practices to meet the needs of the present generation through the consumption of natural resources without compromising their availability for future generations. For example, logging can be considered a sustainable activity as long as reforestation is ensured. Similarly, olive trees can be cultivated to produce oil every year, as long as logical and balanced practices are followed, allowing the use of fertilizers and phytosanitary products only when necessary, and ensuring the maintenance of resources and biodiversity.

Traditional olive groves are currently endangered due to the advancement and expansion of mechanised or industrialised farming. Which, while it may improve profitability in the sector, does not contribute to preserving traditional and sustainable production. Certification by Intertek guarantees that Deoleo products classified as sustainable meet the basic pillars and criteria of sustainability, viewed from a social, economic, environmental, and quality perspective. There are other sustainable products, but they do not necessarily follow the same criteria as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it is expected that more products will emerge in the future, and a standard will likely be established for all products seeking sustainability certification.

Yes, olive oil is great for cooking almost anything, and it can even make the food cooked in it healthier! The high oxidative stability of olive oil (extra virgin and olive oil) makes it suitable for all cooking methods.
Olive oil is ideal for high-temperature cooking, including frying, baking, and grilling, due to its higher smoke point (the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke). In contrast, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, making it ideal for medium-low heat cooking and no-cook recipes.

1.  Harvesting: Olives are harvested from the olive tree starting from late October / early November and finishing in February/March in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, harvest runs from April to July.
2.  Transportation: To obtain quality oil, the transportation of olives to the mill must be done as soon as possible (the same day), and they should be stored for the shortest time possible to process them as soon as possible (maximum of 24 hours). Deoleo has agreements with selected mills and audits them annually to verify that they meet the agreed quality standards.
   Once at the mill, the following processes occur:
3. Washing: Leaves are separated and if needed, olives are washed.
4. Selection, Weighing and Grinding: The purpose of grinding is to crush the olives to release the small oil particles inside the fruit.
5. Beating: The paste is slowly stirred to begin separating the oil from water and solids. To obtain quality oils, the temperature of the beaten mass should not exceed 27°C, and the time should not exceed 90 minutes.
6. Configuration: The liquid mass is separated from the solid.
7. Decantation: The oil is placed in decanters where it remains for 24 – 48 hours, with the aim of separating all fine impurities. If the Oil is filtered, this would happen after decantation. Filtration is done to eliminate humidity and impurities.
8. Testing and Tasting: The testing is carried out in the internal laboratory and the tasting is carried out by a panel of experts. The Olive Oil is then classified as lampante, virgin, or extra virgin.
9. Storage.

At Deoleo, blending is an important process that produces a reliable flavour profile and the quality consumers expect. We have a global sensory map that is used to assess the taste preferences and profiles of olive oil consumers around the world. Master blenders create blends to achieve different olive oil combinations for different tastes and palates. Our quality team travels the globe in search of the perfect oils to achieve the required flavour. So, why not source from just one country? Blending olive oils from multiple origins ensures that we can balance the enhanced flavours to form a more consistent taste. Our master blenders taste the different oils and quickly identify—and reject—those that may contain defects, such as a rancid smell or musty taste. They then analyse and determine the distinctive flavour profile of each.

Using the selected oils, the master blenders create the envisioned blends, working meticulously and testing various combinations. It is an intense process to achieve the perfect combination, until they hit the mark. Each blend must be unanimously approved by all the master blenders. A panel of eight people ensures that the oil truly matches this sensory profile. Once approved by all blenders, the blend is produced and bottled.

Low in saturated fats, which increase “”bad”” LDL cholesterol in the blood.
High in monounsaturated fats (mainly oleic acid), which help reduce “”bad”” LDL cholesterol and increase “”good”” HDL cholesterol, making them most suitable for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
It contains polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential for the human body.
Extra virgin and virgin olive oils contain polyphenols, natural components that influence their organoleptic characteristics, affecting their pungency and flavour. Polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The greatest benefit associated with these compounds is their potent antioxidant capacity, protecting our cells by combating oxidation.
Olive oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.

The fatty acid composition of olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, contributes significantly to its health benefits. This beneficial composition remains stable when heated during normal cooking practices, whether at home or in a restaurant. However, prolonged heating at high temperatures can accelerate oxidation processes, which may degrade vitamins and fatty acids. This is why it is recommended not to use olive oil for extended periods at temperatures above its smoke point.

While many believe that only extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in Mediterranean goodness, both EVOO and regular olive oils (a blend of refined olive oil, virgin or extra virgin olive oil) offer numerous health benefits. Both contain high oleic acid (omega-9), appropriate amounts of linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), and limited saturated fatty acids, contributing to heart health. While EVOO contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to regular olive oil, both are rich in phenolic compounds and tocopherols (vitamin E), known for fighting cardiovascular diseases, reducing oxidative stress and improving overall well-being. Monounsaturated fatty acids: olive oil’s main fatty acid, oleic acid (omega-9), is associated with reducing risk factors of various diseases such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, both of which contribute to heart disease risk.

Olive oil is healthier than seed oils in general due to its composition of fatty acids, presenting a low content of saturated fats and high content of monounsaturated fats (primarily oleic acid). Additionally, extra virgin and virgin olive oils are rich in natural antioxidants (polyphenols) that contribute to the protection of blood lipids against oxidative damage.

Fatty acids are classified as:

• Saturated fats: Found in animal-based foods such as meats, processed meats, milk, and its derivatives (e.g., cheese, ice cream). These fats solidify at room temperature. They can also be found in vegetable oils such as coconut or palm oil (consumed through industrial baked goods), savoury snacks, and processed products). The consumption of saturated fats increases blood cholesterol levels, LDL (“”bad””) cholesterol, being one of the main risk factors for heart disease.
• Unsaturated fats: Found in plant-based foods, such as vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil, sunflower oil, or corn oil). Also, in nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) and seeds (e.g., sesame, sunflower, flax). Although coconut or palm oils are vegetable oils, they contain more saturated fatty acids than the previous vegetable oils. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats in the diet helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
• Monounsaturated fats (just one double bond). Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat.
• Polyunsaturated fats (two or more double bonds). They are essential for the human body, because it cannot synthesise them and must be supplied through daily diet to regulate metabolic processes in the cardiovascular, immune, and pulmonary systems, among others. According to nutritionists, monounsaturated fatty acids are the best for our body and the most resistant to temperature such as oxidative stability. So healthy vegetable oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (such as olive oil) present the best oxidative stability and more oxidative stability result in less free radicals.
• Trans fats: Fats that are formed during the industrial processing of certain foods with high temperature. The consumption of trans fatty acids has a more negative effect on the body than saturated fat, as it increases LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduces HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) in the blood. The presence of these in olive oil is very low.

Having a multi-origin product allows for the maintenance of quality standards and flavour profiles over time, avoiding dependence on the yield, flavour, and varieties of a single country, which can vary in quality and flavour from year to year. Just like any other fruit, olives are grown in nature and impacted by weather and pests. (split into 2 sentences) Relying on a single crop would lead to inconsistencies in quality and flavour outcomes. Multi-origin blends are an excellent choice, as they combine the best from each country to ensure quality, consistency, and balanced flavour.

There are differences between oils from different origins because, in addition to being different varieties with unique physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics, factors like latitude and annual climate conditions also play a role. No one oil is inherently better than another. It’s about understanding what each region or country will produce in a given season and matching those oils to consumer preferences in the destination market. For instance, in the Northern Hemisphere harvest season is between October and January, so importing oils from Southern Hemisphere countries (Argentina, Peru, Chile, etc.) allows Deoleo to source fresh, first-harvest oil in March, April, May, and June. In this way it is possible to bottle recently harvested and milled olive oil twice a year.

At Deoleo, we use 12 mandatory analytical methods to assess olive oil authenticity:

• Free acidity, peroxide value, UV absorption, ethyl esters, and sensory analysis are considered Quality Parameters and are essential for classifying our olive oils.
• Fatty acid composition, sterols and triterpenes dialcohols, Δ ECN42, stigmastadiene, waxes, and 2-glyceryl monopalmitate are identified as Purity Parameters used to assess the authenticity of our olive oils.

There is no home test to verify for olive oil authenticity, as many oils and fats can solidify in the refrigerator, a phenomenon influenced by their fatty acid compositions. Fatty acids in olive oil are bound to glycerol molecules, forming triglycerides. The freezing point of these triglycerides varies depending on the composition of fatty acids. The primary fatty acids found in olive oil include oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids, each with its own freezing temperature ranging from approximately 20ºC to below 0ºC. For example, the most common triglyceride in olive oil, composed of three oleic acids, freezes at 5.5ºC.

No olive oil regulation worlwide includes this type of test for olive oil authenticity.

We can confirm that our olive oils are free from peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashew nuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts. There are no substances in our oils that would be considered as allergens for those with peanut and tree nut allergies.

Link to Deoleo’s Allergen Statement

The colour of olive oil depends solely on the ripeness of the olives: green olives, rich in chlorophyll, produce green oils, while ripe olives, which lack chlorophyll, yield yellow oils. The colour of an olive oil changes over time.

Flavour does not determine quality; sensory analysis does. There are many oils with different organoleptic characteristics—some delicate and sweet, others fruity, and some bitter and spicy.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is of higher quality. Within this category, EVOO must meet the quality and purity standards stipulated in the Regulation* and must not exhibit any organoleptic defects. While the purity parameters are consistent, the main difference between extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil lies in the organoleptic analysis and some physicochemical parameters. EVOO is classified as such if it has no defects, whereas virgin olive oil can contain a moderate level of defects.

*Based on the various existing legislation regarding the characteristics of olive oil, as well as international standards such as those from the IOC and Codex.

There are three factors that accelerate the oxidation of olive oil: oxygen, temperature, and light. Therefore, olive oil should be bottled with minimal headspace, or the oxygen in the headspace should be removed. It should be stored away from heat and light sources. The recommended storage conditions are a cool (13-20 ºC), dark place. Once opened, it should be consumed as quickly as possible.

Olive oil has a best before date, not an expiration date. An expiration date indicates when a product is no longer edible because it could pose health risks. If the expiration date has passed, the product should not be consumed. The best before date indicates that the product no longer offers the full quality it should. It might have lost some of its qualities or may not be entirely satisfactory.

In the case of olive oil, a best before date is set by the manufacturer to ensure that during that period, the oil maintains all the physicochemical and organoleptic properties corresponding to the category declared on the product label. Olive oil does not expire and is always edible. However, as a product that evolves unfavorably over time, its taste and properties may be affected. In conclusion, consuming olive oil stored for a long time will never harm the consumer’s health, but it can indeed lose the flavours and aromas that characterise it.

Deoleo’s quality commitment ensures that the bottled olive oil meets the standards stated on the label (extra virgin, virgin, etc.) until the best before date, provided that the storage conditions specified on the label are adhered to. For virgin olive oils, the variety does influence the best before date. Some varieties have lower resistance to oxidation (becoming rancid) and lose their qualities more quickly than others. Varieties with higher content of polyphenols and vitamin E (both antioxidants), such as the Picual variety, retain their properties better.

Additionally, filtration of extra virgin olive oil also makes a difference. The presence of moisture and impurities accelerates the oxidation of the product; therefore, an unfiltered extra virgin olive oil will retain its qualities for a shorter period compared to the same oil that has been filtered. Therefore, to establish the best before date, studies on shelf life need to be conducted, considering factors such as olive oil variety, type of packaging, storage conditions (temperature and exposure to light), and whether oxygen has been removed from the head space.

Olive oil enhances flavours and makes your favourite recipes even more delicious, unless, of course, it’s rancid. Rancidity occurs when there’s a breakdown of fatty acids in the oil due to oxidation. Different environmental factors can accelerate oxidation, such as exposure to air, UV light and warm temperatures. Here are some tips to avoid rancid olive oil:

At the store: It can be difficult to tell if a bottle of olive oil on the grocery store shelf is rancid without opening the cap and smelling it. Coloured olive oil bottles are good, as their tint helps block light. An indicator of rancidity is oils in clear bottles that have turned brown. These have likely been sitting on the shelf for a long time. Before you make your purchase, be sure to check the “best before” date on the bottle and select one with enough time for you to consume it.

At home: How can you tell if the oil is rancid? The first step is to sniff your olive oil after purchase. A good EVOO will have a fruit or vegetable scent, with hints of olive and perhaps even a grassy aroma. It will smell fresh and clean. Rancid olive oil, however, retains a waxy smell, resembling a crayon, putty, or even old walnuts.

The next step in identifying rancid oil is tasting it. You should always taste your olive oil before using it to cook or add flavour to a dish. Rancid oil will taste stale and fatty. It may also appear brown when you first pour it.

While consuming rancid oil is not harmful to your health, it does not provide the same health benefits as quality EVOO. Oxidation naturally occurs in the body, and the antioxidants found in EVOO help protect against certain diseases and even aging. Rancid olive oil, however, contains few antioxidants, as they are depleted through the oxidation process.

Our sustainability purpose, “Caring for What Cares for You,” drives us to bring the benefits of the Mediterranean diet to the entire world, while ensuring that sustainability underpins all our actions. We achieve this through our four pillars: Growing Together, Blending with Love, Caring for You, and Responsible Business.

Growing Together: We work hand in hand with farmers to ensure that we protect their livelihoods as well as the lands that produce our olives, fostering sustainable practices related with social and farming practices (use of water, waste, energy, etc.)

Blending with Love involves continuously improving olive oil quality while strengthening our commitment to protecting the environment in our operations. We do this through responsible resource management, measuring and reducing our carbon footprint, rethinking packaging and collaborating with our suppliers to help them improve their environmental performance.

Caring for You, our third pillar, leads us to advocate through our brands (such as Bertolli, Carapelli and Carbonell) about the benefits and uses of olive oil worldwide and care about the Deoleo employees (by improving job satisfaction in every way possible: schedules, work conditions, training, career development, diversity and inclusiveness, etc).

Responsible Business practices are essential. We uphold responsible and inclusive governance, promote corporate ethics and transparency, and fight against corruption and improper practices through our anti-corruption policies and our Codes of Ethics for both internal operations and suppliers.

Zero Waste means that at least 90% of the waste generated in a factory is diverted from landfills. Instead, this waste is recovered, giving it a second life. This approach significantly reduces the environmental impact by minimising the amount of waste and promoting the circular economy.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic resin suitable for food contact, making it ideal for producing bottles that preserve the quality of our oil. Specifically, R-PET refers to Recycled PET.

Olive pomace oil is a type of oil that is also extracted from the olive fruit. Olive pomace oil is an oil extracted from the byproducts of the olive fruit. This type of olive pomace oil is made from the fat, pit residues, and olive skins left over after the production of other olive oils.