The Global Battle Against Olive Oil Fraud

Extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine and a symbol of health, is increasingly under threat from fraudsters. Italy, one of the world’s top three producers of extra virgin olive oil, faces a significant challenge as the demand for this precious liquid gold rises.

Extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine and a symbol of health, is increasingly under threat from fraudsters. Italy, one of the world’s top three producers of extra virgin olive oil, faces a significant challenge as the demand for this precious liquid gold rises. While olive oil fraud isn't new, the scale and sophistication of recent cases have raised concerns across Europe. Fraud affects not only the integrity of this beloved product but also the livelihoods of farmers, the transparency of sellers, and the trust of consumers. With prices surging and fraud at an all-time high, it’s crucial to understand the mechanisms behind this fraudulent activity and what steps can be taken to protect the authenticity of Italian extra virgin olive oil.

Why Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil a Target for Fraud?

Italian extra virgin olive oil is prized for its superior taste, quality, and health benefits, making it one of the most sought-after products globally. According to the International Olive Council, the price of extra virgin olive oil has skyrocketed in recent years, reaching approximately €9-10/kg due to factors such as increased demand, climate change, and production costs. This high value, coupled with relatively limited production quantities, makes it an attractive target for fraudsters who can reap substantial profits by selling adulterated or mislabelled oil at lower prices.

The Guardian recently reported a 37% rise in olive oil fraud cases across the European Union in the past two years, a reflection of the growing scale of this illicit activity. From tampering and mislabelling to passing off lower-quality oils as high-grade extra virgin olive oil, the forms of fraud are numerous and increasingly sophisticated.

Understanding Adulteration: Intentional vs. Unintentional

It’s important to distinguish between intentional and unintentional adulteration. Unintentional adulteration occurs when oils lose their "extra virgin" classification due to poor handling, transportation, or storage. In contrast, intentional adulteration is a deliberate act, where oils of inferior quality—often seed oils or other types of olive oil—are mixed with genuine extra virgin olive oil or falsely labelled as such.

A report by FoodNavigator highlighted a case in Italy where authorities seized over 1.7 million litres of counterfeit olive oil, valued at €10 million. In this instance, lampante (low-quality) oil was deodorized and falsely marketed as extra virgin olive oil, highlighting the level of sophistication fraudsters are capable of.

Fraud in Two Key Forms

Olive oil fraud generally occurs through two primary channels:

1. Misrepresentation of Origin: Fraudsters often import substandard oils from countries outside Italy, label them as "Made in Italy," and sell them as authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil. This undermines the reputation of genuine producers and harms consumers who believe they are buying high-quality, Italian-made products.
2. Adulteration: Another prevalent method involves blending lower-grade oils with extra virgin olive oil. Oils classified as lampante or even seed oils are deodorized to remove off-flavors and smells, then passed off as high-quality extra virgin olive oil. CNN reported on a recent seizure in Italy, where 5,000 litres of olive oil were found to be deodorized and falsely marketed as extra virgin olive oil .

A recent investigation uncovered that up to 50% of oils sold as extra virgin olive oil do not meet the necessary standards upon analysis, yet they are still sold at premium prices. These findings illustrate the widespread nature of olive oil fraud and the potential for consumers to be misled when purchasing this popular product.

Advances in Detection: A Game of Cat and Mouse

The fight against olive oil fraud has seen significant advances in recent years, with sophisticated testing methods now available to detect many forms of adulteration. However, the same technological advancements that help authorities catch fraudsters are also used by those committing the fraud to bypass detection.

In Spain, 24 people were arrested in 2024 for their involvement in an olive oil fraud scheme that saw 50,000 litres of adulterated oil labelled as extra virgin olive oil. Such cases highlight the ongoing challenge of detecting more refined adulteration practices that can evade traditional testing methods.

Despite these challenges, traceability systems are becoming crucial in safeguarding the olive oil supply chain. The Independent notes that in recent years, authorities have been leveraging new technologies like blockchain to track olive oil from the point of harvest to the point of sale, ensuring transparency and authenticity .

Consumer Protection

Consumers can protect themselves to ensure they are purchasing authentic extra virgin olive oil:

• Check the Price: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine extra virgin olive oil is expensive to produce, so significantly lower prices can be a red flag.
• Look for Organic Certification: Certified organic oils are subject to stricter regulations and cannot be chemically rectified, making them a safer choice.
• Refrigeration Test: Real extra virgin olive oil will solidify when refrigerated, while chemically altered oils tend to remain liquid.
• Read Labels Carefully: While labels can sometimes be misleading, they still offer important clues about the product’s origin and quality. Avoid oils with unclear or incomplete labelling.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Atlante we take extra virgin olive oil fraud seriously. To ensure the authenticity of our products, we implement rigorous quality controls, including:

• Traceability: From olive grove to bottle, we track every step of the production process.
• Laboratory Testing: Each batch of our olive oil undergoes chemical and organoleptic testing to ensure it meets the strict standards required for extra virgin olive oil.
• On-Site Supervision: Our experts are present during every stage of production, from harvest to bottling, ensuring that only the highest quality olives are used.

We are committed to providing our customers with authentic, high-quality extra virgin olive oil that they can trust.

Conclusion

Extra virgin olive oil fraud is an evolving challenge that affects both consumers and producers. However, with increased awareness, technological advancements in detection, and stringent quality controls, we can protect the authenticity and integrity of this precious product. Consumers can play their part by making informed purchasing decisions and supporting brands that prioritize transparency and quality.

By staying vigilant and informed, we can all enjoy the rich, authentic taste of true extra virgin olive oil—just as nature intended.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your oil needs - whatever your requirements for type and size of oil, we can help.