
Visagi Olive Oil Awarded Platinum Prize in the “Quality” Category in London!
We are happy to share another wonderful news: our extra virgin olive oil has received a prestigious recognition at the international competition ‘London International Olive Oil Competitions 2025‘. The ceremony took place on June 28, 2025, in London at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. The event, which serves as a benchmark for promoting the best olive oil productions in the world, saw us awarded the Platinum Prize in the ‘Quality’ category! The jury, composed of professional tasters from around the world, evaluated approximately 1,200 different oils through sensory analysis.
What is the sensory analysis?
It is a fundamental part of the competitions for extra virgin olive oil (EVO), as it allows for the assessment of the organoleptic quality of the competing oils, distinguishing excellent ones from those that are defective or mediocre. It is carried out according to COI standards (International Olive Council) and consists of three main steps :
1. Nose (Aroma ) This is done by smelling the oil in its pure form in a blue cup a slightly warmed with the hands .
Positive parameters:
- Fruity (intensity and type: green or ripe)
- Herbaceous notes, almond, artichoke, tomato, apple, etc.
- Main defects to report: Heating (fermented oil) – Mold – Musty – Rancid
2. Palate (Taste) The pure oil is tasted, spreading it well in the mouth using the strip method ( noisy air aspiration ).
Positive parameters:
- Bitter
- Spicy
- Balance between tasting notes
- Aromatic persistence: how long the taste lasts after tasting
3. Retro-nasal Sensations:
- Sensation of fluidity, body
- Aromas perceived retro-nasally, often more complex than just the sense of smell
Evaluation Form (Panel Test)
The professional judges (panelists), once they have completed the three previous steps, fill out an official sensory sheet (according to the COI method or competition regulations), which includes:
- Intensity of positive notes: fruity, bitter, spicy
- Presence or absence of defects
- Any descriptive notes: tomato, apple, artichoke, almond, grass, etc.
If you would like to delve deeper into these topics, contact us.
Hoping to have provided you with something useful and pleasant, we wish you a good summer!
Thank you again for your support, we will see you in September!