The DLG experts tested edible oils from 46 producers from eight countries. Most of the products came from Germany, but some were also sent in from France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Austria and South Africa. Alongside extra virgin olive oil, other virgin cold pressed edible oils are gaining ground in Germany, in particular virgin rapeseed oil. One major problem lis in the fact that the sensory qualities of edible oils can be very heterogeneous.

The DLG tests contained a product-specific description of the featured properties and faults with subsequent assessment on the basis of the DLG 5-point test schedules. These were developed by leading experts separately for olive oil and for rapeseed, sunflower and pumpkin seed oils. The test schedules are oriented to those of the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) and the German Society for Fat Science (DGF).

Tests focused on assessing the sensory product quality, i.e. freedom from odour and taste faults and the fruitiness and balance of the edible oils. The sensory tests were complemented by laboratory analyses.

Positive balance of the quality tests

Many products convinced the jury through their outstanding quality. However, the overall picture could be improved – 41 of the 70 edible oils submitted won awards, representing a quota of 59 %. Of these 14 earned a DLG Gold Medal, 18 a Silver Medal and 9 a Bronze Medal.