Israel Romero / Monday, March 24, 2025 / Categories: Blog Premium extra virgin olive oil — why isn't it a recognized category? I believe it is essential to create a superior category within Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), because not all EVOOs are equal and, even less, are all olive oils EVOO. Categorizing would provide us with more information and knowledge about our flagship product among gourmets, EVOO… Premium What is EVOO Premium Iberian Pig: here there are indeed categorized differences What makes an EVOO considered "Premium"? So, is it just marketing? Do you want to know some brands recognized as EVOO Premium? One of the reasons we entered this sector, the gourmet sector, was to change rules we didn’t like because they went against excellence. And unfortunately, with extra virgin olive oil (acronym EVOO), that continues to happen. What is EVOO Premium EVOO Premium is a commercial term used to refer to an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) of superior quality, but it is not an official category recognized by the International Olive Council (IOC) nor by European Union regulations. It is used to highlight oils that meet more demanding standards within the EVOO category. Iberian Pig: here there are indeed categorized differences But do people know what those standards are? When we talk about EVOO, as with the "Ibérico" concept in ham, it seems to define it as the best product, but it is only a qualitative characteristic, and not the one that determines the highest quality. But to understand it, let’s illustrate with a product that has indeed been able to define and differentiate the different classes, so we can understand the different prices as well. The Iberian pig is an autochthonous porcine breed of the Iberian Peninsula, known for its ability to infiltrate fat into the muscle, which gives its meat a juicy texture and a unique flavor. It is the breed used to produce products such as Iberian ham, Iberian shoulder, and Iberian cured sausages. However, there is a classification of the Iberian pig according to its feeding, which categorizes it to determine which is the best. The quality of the Iberian pig is determined by its purity percentage and the type of feed it receives: 100% Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham (black label) Pig of 100% Iberian breed. Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham (50-75%) (red label) From crossbred pigs (50-75% Iberian breed). Iberian Cebo de Campo Ham (green label) Raised semi-free-range. Iberian Cebo Ham (white label) Raised in intensive farms. What makes an EVOO considered "Premium"? Although there is no specific regulation, a Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) generally must meet these characteristics: Early Harvest It is obtained from olives harvested at the optimal moment of ripeness, which ensures a higher concentration of polyphenols (antioxidants) and lower acidity. Typically in October while the fruit is still unripe, green. Cold Extraction It is extracted at temperatures below 27°C (≈81°F), better preserving the oil’s volatile compounds and aromas. Low Acidity (0.1 - 0.2%) While an EVOO may have up to 0.8% acidity, Premium ones usually remain well below that, which indicates greater freshness and quality. For us, premium should be between 0.1 and 0.2. Careful Production Methods May include cold pressing, manual selection of olives, and processes that avoid oxidation. Special Varieties Some Premium oils come from native varieties or century-old olive groves, with a more exclusive flavor. Limited Production Many brands produce small, numbered batches, ensuring exhaustive quality control. Exclusive Design and Presentation They are often sold in high-end packaging, such as opaque bottles, ceramic, or limited editions. So, is it just marketing? Not necessarily. A Premium EVOO can indeed be of superior quality, but without official regulation the term can be used subjectively. It is important to look at certifications, chemical analyses, and international awards to ensure its true excellence. Want to know some brands recognized as Premium EVOO? The term "Premium" therefore is a category that should exist as such. With a distinct identification from other EVOOs, it would highlight its superior quality and help understand the value of its process until it becomes a very high-quality oil. Here we leave our selection of premium EVOOs from Made in Spain Store. Oils: Isbilya, from Seville; Jacoliva from Cáceres; Set d’Oli and Mas Montseny, from Tarragona; Verde Oliva and Castillo de Canena from Jaén; Oro La Senda from Ciudad Real; SalzySalz, from Zaragoza; Castillo del Señor from Lleida; and Sitena from Toledo. All of them excellent, produced by families who share with us love and care for our land, Spain, respecting it and showcasing it to the world. Because Spanish premium EVOO is the best in the world. Our recommendations Organic Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Limited Edition, Oro La Senda Excellence Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Isbilya AUTHOR: Israel Romero, CEO of Made in Spain Gourmet. Agromar Pâtés: Tips for Enjoying Them Like an Expert ROI&Co: Excellence in Gourmet Galician Preserves Print 2 Rate this article: No rating Please login or register to post comments.