Understanding Olive Oil Fraud

Awareness and Prevention

What is Olive Oil Fraud

Olive oil fraud typically involves the adulteration, mislabeling, or misrepresenting of olive oil products. Common forms of fraud include:

Adulteration: Mixing pure olive oil with cheaper vegetable oils or other lower-quality oils.

Mislabeling: Incorrectly labeling oil as “extra virgin” when it doesn’t meet the standards for that classification.

False claims regarding origin: Claiming the oil is from a specific region or country when it is not.

Bulk import and uncontrolled bottling: this often happens when the importer tries to make a profit and use one of the three methods above.

Crop unrecognizable gardener picking organic green olives ripening on lush tree in agricultural garden

How to Avoid Olive Oil Fraud

Choose Reputable Brands: Purchase olive oil from well-known and trusted brands that provide transparency about their sourcing and production processes. We serial label our products to avoid fraud and misuse of our name, as it happens to many quality brands.

Look for Certifications: Certifications from recognized organizations can indicate higher quality and authenticity. Look for seals like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).

Check for Harvest Dates: High-quality olive oil should have a harvest date on the label. Fresh oils are generally more flavorful and nutritious.Check for Harvest Dates: High-quality olive oil should have a harvest date on the label. Fresh oils are generally more flavorful and nutritious.

Examine Labels Carefully: Read labels for clarity. Authentic olive oil should list the specific type of olive, origin, and whether it meets extra virgin standards.

Notice: origin, harvest, where it was packed, and customer service.

Taste Test: While it is more of a professional ability, with time and experience, you may know when you taste a fraud. Quality olive oil should have a distinct taste profile with a balance of fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency. If the oil tastes flat or lacks depth, it may be of lower quality.

Buy from Local Producers: Whenever possible, purchase directly from local producers or farmers’ markets. This often ensures a shorter supply chain and better quality control.

Like our brand, we stream live from the harvest, from the factory, and you may contact us all year round, and when you visit Greece, you are more than welcome to visit us:)

While olive oil fraud can occur in any country, some regions are more frequently associated with these practices:

Italy: Due to its prestige in the olive oil market, Italy has seen numerous cases of labeling fraud, where lower-quality oils are sold as Italian extra virgin olive oil.

Spain: As one of the largest producers of olive oil, Spain has faced issues with adulteration and mislabeling, particularly in bulk exports.

Tunisia: This country has been associated with lower-quality oils being marketed as premium products, especially in the European market.