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We won the Great Taste Awards!

We won the Great Taste Awards!

⭐️ ⭐️ The results are in, and our single estate extra virgin olive oil from Crete TAKES THE GOLD with two stars from the Great Taste Awards 2022 competition. ⭐️ ⭐️

We say it a lot, but we're so proud to partner with farmers who prioritise flavour over yield. All their hard work throughout the year, their absolute dedication to the trees, the land, and the final fruit quality has delivered this huge win.

So, on that—BIG LOVE to the Amargiotakis family for letting us share their stunning extra virgin olive oil beyond the hillsides of Crete.

Here's what the judges had to say:

"A gold-toned oil, fresh and aromatic - we agree with the notes of grass, tomato leaf and unripe banana - or banana skin. The palate is pleasingly buttery, nicely balanced with the gentle tinge of bitterness. Pepper on the finish is quite light, warm, in balance with the fruit. A beautifully balanced oil all told, with a very smooth arc of flavour; it's delicate, one for drizzling and dipping bread, we feel, but delightful with it.

Attractive pale green/yellow colour. Peppery and fresh cut-grass aroma. Peppery flavour on the palate with a bitter almond taste coming through. Creamy texture on the tongue.

An attractive golden-green oil with a rich pouring viscosity. The flavour is green and leafy with a bitter raddichio edge and an unripe banana note. The finish is typically peppery and acidic nut, not too long-lived resulting in a well balanced oil."

What are the Great Taste Awards?

Great Taste is the world's largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. It's run by the UK's Guild of Fine Food, and is the gold standard in food & drink for quality.

What do the stars mean?

3-stars = Exquisite: "Extraordinarily tasty foods – around 2% of products are awarded 3-stars each year. Don’t leave the shop without buying it!"
2-stars = Outstanding: "Above and beyond delicious – less than 10% of entries will achieve this rating."
1-star = Simply delicious: "A food that delivers fantastic flavour – approximately 25% of entries will achieve this rating each year."

A special thank you to the Guild of Fine Food in the UK and their incredible line-up of discerning judges who make this award feel all the more special.

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FAQs about olive oil brands and quality

They certainly can be! But it’s always important to consider why they’re expensive. If the higher price reflects early harvest olives, small-batch production, regenerative farming, and fair wages for farmers, then yes – you're likely getting a high-quality product that’s better for your health, the environment, and the industry. But sometimes, the price tag just reflects good branding and fancy packaging. Always look for real indicators of quality like harvest date, origin transparency, proper packaging, and clear production practices to know if it’s truly worth the splurge.
The best way to tell if you have a bottle of real extra virgin olive oil—and not just labeled that way—is to look for transparency and pay close attention to the details. Quality EVOO will list a harvest date (not just an expiration date), come in a dark glass or tin container, and specify the origin. Avoid vague blends and flashy marketing claims without substance. And most importantly, taste it: legitimate extra virgin olive oil should be fruity, bitter and peppery—not flat or greasy. Your palate is often the best judge
One of the biggest culprits is the term ‘first cold pressed’, which might sound impressive but doesn't define the modern extra virgin olive oil making process or the product's quality. Also look for the harvest date. If you only see an expiration or “best before”, it's more likely the olive oil quality isn't as good. Also pay attention to vague origins like ‘EU blend’. While this might sound romantic, it's a strong indicator that olive oil quality is not top notch. Long story short: true quality comes from transparency, not trendy marketing, so always look beyond branding.