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The Project Olive Oil Award

Swiss Quality since 2001. With the Swiss Olive Oil Panel and the independent location at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil, the Olive Oil Award can look back on over 20 years of experience.

History

It startet in 2001. The Sensory Science Group within the Institute for Food and Beverage Innovation (ILGI) at ZHAW - University of Applied Sciences Zurich (former: HSW), in the context of the specialized exhibition „Gourmesse“ in Zürich, took part in a competition concerning „extra virgin“ olive oil. On this occasion the ZHAW rendered scientific support with the tasting (sensory analysis) of 30 extra virgin olive oils by experts and consumers.

At the end of February 2002 for the first time ever a sensory evaluation of Olive Oils took place, the 1st International Olive Oil Award - Zurich 2002 (IOOA), organised by the ZHAW. The extra virgin olive oils were then tasted, judged objectively and awarded by an international panel of experts (Golden Olive / Silver Olive). 

Since this event took place, the Olive Oil Award - Zurich was held in every single year with great success. Thereby its concept was continuously developed further and improved.

The most important aspect for the conduction of the IOOA was the setup of a trained panel of tasters, the Swiss Olive Oil Panel (SOP), which is accredited according to ISO 17025 since October 2006 and was recognized from 2013 - 2021 by the International Olive Council (IOC).

Structure

Expert Testing

Our extended methodology - to the classic panel test method by EU / COI regulations - offers you an added value to compare the quality of your olive oil over years. With this method you will get a detailed description of the aroma profile of yoir oil as well as a evaluation of harmony and persistency.

Learn more about the methodology and look back with us!

Consumer Test

Over 1000 visitors of the Gourmesse Zurich test the participating olive oils of Olive Oil Award every year. Along with the prize for the most overall liking (OLIO), the price for the most beautiful bottle "Best Design" will be awarded by the consumers.

Learn more and check out last year's winners!