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Choosing an olive oil may seem simple… until you see the acronyms: EVOO, EVOO, EO .
At first glance they may look similar.
However, they respond to different processes, controls, and quality levels.
Are they the same?
Do their properties change?
Does it affect your nutritional profile?
What explains the price difference?
And what role do certifications such as organic production or Protected Designation of Origin play?
Understanding these categories is essential to knowing what we are actually incorporating into our diet.
In this article we explain, in a clear and accessible way, the difference between extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) , virgin olive oil (VOO) and olive oil (OO) , and how elements such as organic certification or a Protected Designation of Origin can provide an additional level of guarantee and traceability.
Because choosing well starts with understanding what we are reading on the label.
What does EVOO mean?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest recognized category within olive oil.
It is not a commercial name, but a regulated classification that must meet very demanding technical and sensory parameters.
How is it obtained?
EVOO is obtained exclusively through physical procedures , without chemical processes or refining.
In our case, the process begins in the field:
- 100% manual harvest , selecting the fruit at its optimal moment.
- Careful harvesting, avoiding blows that alter the olive.
- Immediate transport to preserve freshness and natural properties.
- Cold extraction solely by physical means.
The result is simply natural olive juice .
No additives.
Without transformations.
Only the expression of the fruit as nature offers it.
What makes it different?
To be classified as extra virgin, it must meet strict criteria established by the International Olive Council (IOC) :
✔ Acidity ≤ 0.8%
✔ Total absence of sensory defects
✔ Clean and balanced aromatic profile
✔ Preservation of natural compounds such as polyphenols
🔗 International Olive Council:
https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/
Within the EVOO category: organic and with Protected Designation of Origin
Within the EVOO category there are additional levels of guarantee that provide greater traceability and control.
🌿 Organically produced
A certified organic extra virgin olive oil:
- It is grown without synthetic pesticides.
- Respect the natural cycles of the soil.
- Protects the biodiversity of the environment.
- It is supervised by official certification bodies.
It's not just about what isn't added, but about how the land that produces it is cared for.
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Spain has more than 30 Protected Designations of Origin for olive oil, including the Siurana PDO .
A Protected Designation of Origin guarantees:
- Specific geographical origin
- Authorized varieties
- Regulated production methods
- Additional quality controls
An EVOO protected by a PDO provides an additional level of traceability and territorial coherence.
What is AOV?
Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil (VOO) is also obtained exclusively through physical procedures, without chemical processes or refining.
It shares the same natural origin as extra virgin olive oil, but presents differences in the required technical and sensory parameters.
Features of the AOV
✔ Acidity ≤ 2%
✔ May have slight sensory imperfections
✔ Less intense aromatic profile
✔ Less complex taste
It is still a natural oil, but it does not reach the level of sensory requirements needed to be classified as extra virgin.
What is “olive oil” (OO)?
This is where the most confusion usually arises.
When a label simply says “olive oil” , it is usually a mixture made up of:
-Refined olive oil
-A small percentage of virgin olive oil
What does refining involve?
Refining is a technical process that allows the oil to be stabilized and its profile to be homogenized.
During this procedure:
- Unwanted features are corrected
- Intense flavors are neutralized
- Technical parameters are adjusted
As a result, some of the natural compounds present in virgin oils are also reduced, such as some antioxidants and aromatic components.
The result is an oil with a more neutral and stable profile, intended for less expressive culinary use.
Clear comparative table
| Feature | EVOO | AOV | AO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method of obtaining | Physical procedures | Physical procedures | Refined + blend |
| Acidity | ≤ 0.8% | ≤ 2% | Variable |
| Sensory profile | Flawless | Minor imperfections | Corrected and neutral profile |
| Natural compounds | Preserved in their entirety | Partially preserved | Reduced during refining |
| Flavor | Complex and balanced | Correct and smooth | Neutral |
Which is the most interesting option from a nutritional point of view?
Scientific evidence on the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular health has been developed mainly around extra virgin olive oil .
The PREDIMED trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine , specifically analyzed EVOO consumption within a Mediterranean dietary pattern.
🔗 PREDIMED Study:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1200303
Extra virgin olive oil:
- It retains its natural polyphenols
- Provides vitamin E
- It maintains its lipid profile intact
- It has not been subjected to refining processes
Furthermore, when it comes to an organic EVOO protected by a Protected Designation of Origin , such as the Siurana DO , additional guarantees of traceability, territorial control and compliance with specific quality standards are added.
Spain boasts over 30 Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) for olive oil, each linked to a specific territory and regulated production criteria. The Siurana PDO is one such example, recognized for its olive-growing tradition and rigorous technical controls.
Which one should you choose?
If you are looking for:
- Complete nutritional profile
- Aromatic complexity
- Respect for origin and process
- Traceability guarantee
- Consistency with a sustainable agricultural model
The category that meets these characteristics is extra virgin olive oil .
And within it, an organic extra virgin olive oil with Protected Designation of Origin , like the one from
🔗 FINCA HOSTALETS 1898
https://fincahostalets1898.com
It represents an additional level of guarantee: respectful cultivation, control of origin and compliance with demanding standards.
FINCA HOSTALETS 1898 features:
- Official ecological certification
- Protected by the Siurana Designation of Origin
- Handcrafted with manual harvesting
This places it within the category of premium EVOO with double certification: technical quality and territorial traceability.
You can also learn about our process here:
🔗 https://fincahostalets1898.com/proceso-elaboracion
Because understanding what you consume is the first step to making better choices.
Conclusion
Not all olive oils are the same, even though they may seem so.
When choosing, you can use this classification as a guide:
- Organic EVOO + Protected Designation of Origin → maximum guarantee of technical quality, traceability and respect for the environment.
- EVOO → highest regulated category oil.
- AOV → natural, with lower sensory requirements.
- AO → refined oil combined with virgin oil, with a more neutral profile.
The difference isn't just in the name.
It's in the process, in the care of the fruit, in the respect for the land, and in the real value it brings to your diet.
Choosing with knowledge is choosing with discernment.
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In the heart of Priorat, the Serra del Montsant Natural Park reveals the essence of a unique extra virgin olive oil. The combination of mineral soils, Mediterranean climate, and exceptional biodiversity defines the authentic character of every drop. This article explores how the terroir, with its native flora and fauna, imparts unmistakable nuances and aromas, honoring a legacy of tradition and respect for the land. 🌿
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Finca Hostalets is the perfect balance between tradition and nature. From the Montsant mountain range, we produce organic extra virgin olive oil with the same respect and patience as generations past. On this blog, we share stories, knowledge, and the essence of mountain farming.
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https://www.lavanguardia.com/empresas-de-vanguardia/20240409/9587650/metodo-artesanal-finca-hostalets-1898-priorat-elaborar-aceite-oliva-virgen-extra.html
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We are very pleased to have participated in the International Food, Beverage & Food Service Exhibition. The in-person event took place in Barcelona, at the Fira de Barcelona exhibition center. For those who have never been, Alimentaria is a leading international event and a must-attend for all professionals in the food, beverage and food service industry. The fair offers a unique platform to discover the latest trends, promote innovation and internationalization of the sector. Finca Hostalets was present with its own stand where we showcased our main products. We also offered a space for tastings and sampling.
The Olive Oil Bar
As part of the fair, visitors could access The Olive Oil Bar area. It was a space for self-guided tasting with the help of descriptive cards to discover some of the best extra virgin olive oils.
Organic Market & Trends
Within the fair, visitors could find an attractive and innovative organic food exhibition area sponsored by Veritas. As Finca Hostalets, a brand that has promoted organic farming for years, we were also present. In this area, various activities took place, such as a guided tour led by Alimentaria and FIAB for international buyers specializing in organic food.
We hope to be present again in 2023...
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Olive oil has been admired since ancient times thanks to its properties and benefits; for this same reason, it has spread across all continents of the planet.
According to data from the IOC-International Olive Council, there are seven countries that concentrate about 90% of the world's production, and Spain is in first place.
EVOO: liquid gold
Within the agri-food sector, the word " Premium " is often added to distinguish Extra Virgin Olive Oils and olive juices, but the acronym or abbreviation EVOO is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the only oil in the world that can be consumed without undergoing a refining process. This is why it's called Liquid Gold , and as such, it has begun to be consumed like an exclusive liqueur or a high-priced wine. It's a luxury product that won't be stored in a kitchen cupboard, but rather where the finest liqueurs, single malt whiskies, brandies, or Imperial Premium Blends are kept.
Exclusivity and elegance
The EVOOs produced by Finca Hostalets 1898 are exclusive juices, generated from selected organically grown Arbequina olives to guarantee the sustainability of the ecosystem and produced following a rigorous and careful artisanal method, which allows for exceptional quality.
Finca Hostalets 1898 has been internationally recognized as one of the companies that produce a unique EVOO, allowing its customers to have an unparalleled product, worthy of the most demanding palates, and at the same time, a unique gift item.
Its unique flavor, multiple benefits, and the presentation of our glass bottles, designed to protect and preserve all its properties and natural color, make it an ideal gift for any occasion.
Its benefits
Thanks to the process highly committed to organic farming (certified by the CCPAE), based on the collection and harvesting of olives at their optimal point of ripeness, carried out in a 100% manual way, an unparalleled Arberquina olive juice is obtained, which stands out from the rest of the extra virgin olive oils.
How do we do it? With the campaign every October, at Finca Hostalets 1898 we use the milking system, which consists of combing the branches until the olives fall onto the nets, always taking care that they do not have any bruises and thus not damage the epicarp (the skin).
The olives will maintain their properties intact until they reach the Almazara (mill located on the estate itself where the oil is extracted).
According to José Seuma, CEO of Finca Hostalets 1898 and a passionate enthusiast of this business, “EVOO: is the fresh juice of a healthy olive, recently harvested from the tree. A nutritious and healthy contribution to our body.”
For this reason, the benefits of each olive are remarkable, as they help prevent cardiovascular disease, protect the brain from cognitive decline, strengthen the immune system, and benefit the skin, among other things. For more information, you can read the Consensus Report of the III International Congress on Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Groves and Health , https://www.mercacei.com/pdf/iii-declaracion-de-jaen.pdf.
Only EVOO retains all the healthy nutritional properties so that all the natural antioxidants are preserved in the best way.
Besides being delicious, it's important to always have one at home, and to know that the product we use is an original Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
When will you try it?
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Last Thursday, November 30th ROSEMARY transported his networking An experience reminiscent of Priorat, but in Barcelona. Thanks to a privileged location that makes it possible: IN STUDIO; distributor in Catalonia of SIEMATIC . The venue, featuring the latest innovations in high-end kitchens, hosted 25 exclusive guests by ROMERO.
Narcís and Lluisa, owners of IN STUDIO, conveyed to us in an almost fraternal way the philosophy of SIEMTATIC: apart from its elegance, quality and precision of manufacture, it offers internal values: enriching life with what one most desires and what brings joy to life.
Therefore, we traveled to Priorat, and were able to enjoy two unique products from that region: wine and olive oil.
The winery MELIS With its owner Javier López at the helm, he presented us with his spectacular wines, and we were able to taste several of his white and red wines, among which Melis, the flagship 2006 vintage, stood out. Priced at €140 per bottle, it is enjoying great success in markets such as the North American one, specifically in the states of Florida, California, and Colorado. He then invited us to visit his wineries to enjoy a unique wine tourism experience.
FINCA ELS HOSTALETS He presented us with the 2017 harvest of his extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in a masterclass by José Seuma, who always captivates us. This time we were able to taste it with pa de coca amb tomaquet, A true luxury for our discerning palates. This time with a nod to At CASA SENDRA , listed as the best sausage in the world, we made a stop at the Cabacés estate in Priorat. Then we paired the excellent wines of Melis with the deli designed by Jaume and Xavi Planes PLANS Barcelona. As always, excellent and gargantuan!
I would also like to thank those who have supported me. MINI Barcelona Premium presented its new plug-in hybrid MINI COUNTRYMAN model, which amazed everyone with its near-silent idling. And to Akilla Noyana, wife and partner of DAVID DALMAU for lending a DALMAU, Teatro Andaluz, to decorate the store for a month at IN STUDIO.
Our guests enjoyed the ROMERO setting, characterized by an atmosphere of trust and a willingness to enhance their connections, and managed, as always, by Carles Tremoleda, Marketing/Commercial Director Israel Romero, CEO & Founder .
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ROMERO Premium Networking is organizing the presentation of BMW's new SUV at the Reial Cercle Artistic for a very exclusive audience.
On Thursday, November 23rd, we were finally able to fulfill our wish in Romero to organize an event in the incomparable setting of Reial Cercel Artístic , the Cercle, in the heart of Barcelona, in a true palace, the Pignatelli, with so many years of history behind it.
We chose this space because we wanted to unite, through culture, the resident Chinese community with the new venture of BMW: the third generation of the X3 .
And thanks to the ever-enormous generosity of the president of the Cercle, Don Josep Félix Bentz , like a magician, pulled a painting exhibition out of his hat, featuring works by no fewer than 17 Chinese artists. They had all come expressly from Beijing. The exhibition was aptly titled “From Beijing to Barcelona.”
BMW Barcelona Premium , keenly aware of the local Chinese community's affinity for the Bavarian brand, entrusted ROMERO with organizing the presentation for this community back in 2015. And of course, we couldn't let them down. To that end, we invited nearly fifty Chinese individuals from the most strategic social and business sectors of their community.
Led by the Mr. Lam Chuen Ping , President of the Union of Chinese Associations in Catalonia, and with new additions such as the General Manager in Spain of the company Lily , Eunice Ying , a fashion company with more than 700 stores in its country and which will soon open its first store in Europe, precisely in Barcelona.
As integrators of different societies residing in the city, we unite the Chinese community with an exclusive selection of ROMERO clients, both national and from other countries: Brazil, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Germany, New Zealand.
It was a relaxed and very ROMERO evening, meaning that the trust of many of those who were there makes everything easier when it comes to contacting and connecting. It's that simple.
To make it more enjoyable, we were able to enjoy the new features of CHOPARD for women and men, and of FINCA HOSTALETS , the Extra Virgin Olive Oil from José Seuma that delighted us with its freshly bottled harvest and convinced us with its indescribable flavor, and of course ROMERO's bet on BANEGA 1812, a 100% acorn-fed ham from Jabugo that was the gastronomic sensation of the afternoon-evening.
Thanks also to FINE & COUNTRY , SIEMATIC and LINKCHINA for their help in ensuring the event had the quality that the occasion deserved.
ROMERO Premium Networking is a leader in high-level networking in Barcelona. As a partner of BMW Barcelona Premium since 2015, it designs, plans, and implements the brand's national promotion, in addition to implementing a networking plan among ROMERO partners for BMW Barcelona Premium customers, to offer more and better added value, some of it very exclusive.
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The internationally renowned department store Harrods has once again invited Finca Hostalets to participate in one of its events. This time, it's the Christmas Food Halls Shopping Event , now in its fifth year, which offers its most loyal customers the largest showcase of food and beverage brands.
Next Thursday, December 8 , after closing to the general public, Harrods will open its food and beverage halls from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. Visitors will enjoy an intimate and luxurious shopping experience accompanied by classic Christmas music and the opportunity to freely sample and explore the various premium products on offer.
Finca Hostalets, led by its owner José Seuma, travels to London to be present on such a special occasion and share the qualities of its Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) , produced organically in Riudoms, Tarragona.
Browse our product catalog and find your gift for the senses on our website.
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We had the honor of being invited to the private presentation of the new Unión Suiza collection in Barcelona.
A few months ago, Finca Hostalets contacted us to kindly invite us to offer a small tasting and presentation of our products during the welcome cocktail they would offer to their select guests at the presentation on April 16th.
The event was a resounding success, with a full house, and to the surprise of the guests, we sampled and tasted our organic olive juice. We conducted multiple tastings showcasing the qualities of our organic extra virgin olive oil.
We tasted our fantastic Extra Virgin Olive Oil with white truffle , which delighted the most demanding gourmets attending the Swiss Union event.
Thank you so much for the invitation and we hope to see you again very soon!
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On March 20th, José Seuma personally attended to a small group of Harrod's best customers during a private event in the Harrod's food hall . He explained how he produces his oils and vinegars.
Likewise, this group had the opportunity to taste the products on site.
“ Meet the maker ” took place on March 30th, a demonstration for those strolling through the store and many of them were surprised with a tasting in its food hall, thus meeting the creator of the Finca Hostalets brand.
A very rewarding experience for both Finca Hostalets and the attendees.
The Finca Hostalets stand was in the Harrod's Food Hall on March 30th, from 10am to 11:30am
José Seuma attended the first tasting, where he met the customers and spoke with them about La Finca, where Finca Hostalets products could be purchased.
Customers could taste the oil from its creator before buying it.
Throughout 2016, Finca Hostalets will have a presence in its hall and can be tasted on the following days:
May 17, 2016
June 10, 2016
October 18, 2016
November 3, 2016
December 1, 2016
During March 2016, Harrods' window display featured the " Cracking Gourmet" campaign, a major Easter egg event.
This is how beautiful the windows of Harrod's, a landmark store in the English capital, London, looked.
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We attended the new edition of the Tavola Fair in
Kortrijk - Belgium. A fair dedicated to fresh food and delicatessen products.
We, as Finca Hostalets, had a presence in a small stand in one of the busiest aisles of the fair.
A highly selective fair, where the organization selects exhibitors based on a strict quality criterion, guaranteeing high-end products.
It was a pleasure to meet with great friends and collaborators with whom we established a good business relationship.
Thank you, and we'll be back!
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Our partners will bring you our organic extra virgin olive oils.
Contact us and we will inform you of our nearest point of sale
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From February 27th to March 3rd, we had the pleasure of attending the Gulfood trade fair in Dubai. It was an intense five days with a great deal of anticipation surrounding our product, Spanish olive juice.
We landed in Asia with great success. We were present with gourmet shop distributors who allowed us to present our Finca Hostalets product to all their customers.
We also had the presence of members of the Dubai royal family, who strolled through the hall looking at the imported products.
We were able to establish relationships with many people, sharing experiences and passions for extra virgin olive oil.
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Through our importer for Holland, Secretos de Andalucía , we had the opportunity to have a presence at a stand at the Dutch Christmas Gifts Fair on February 9th and 10th, 2016.
We were able to present our entire new range of gift products to the country's leading companies and firms. As you can see in the event photo, our Extra Virgin Olive Oil in its 1500ml presentation, our truffle-infused condiments made with white and black truffles, and our selection of reserve balsamic vinegars were featured.
The fair was a complete success, thanks to Secretos de Andalucía for their care and dedication in importing our products into Holland.
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From September 3rd to 6th, 2015
Our first visit to Speciality Fine Food in London was last September 2015.
We set up a modest stand in one of the fair's main aisles. There, we had the pleasure of meeting many visitors who were interested in our olive juice.
We are introducing our new limited edition products such as our numbered 1L bottle of organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil , a numbered and exclusive bottle in each harvest.
We also present our bottles of Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil with White Truffle and Black Truffle.
To the surprise of many, we did a small tasting and sampling of our organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil explained by José Seuma, olive grower and owner of Finca Hostalets .
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Tasting and sampling of Finca Hostalets Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Location: DeliShop Barcelona
Date: May 2015
Schedule: 4pm to 6pm
We organized a tasting for about 10 guests in collaboration with DeliShop, one of our partner stores in Barcelona.
We prepared the table with the necessary elements for the tasting of Finca Hostalets Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
José Seuma, olive grower and CEO of Finca Hostalets, an expert in the field, gave a short presentation of the brand (Finca Hostalets) and its oil.
We reached the recommended capacity because José provides a more personal touch with smaller groups. We had tasters from various countries, all very interested in extra virgin olive oil and olive juice.
Each of the attendees repeated what José explained about the oil tasting.
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Appearances of Finca Hostalets in the print media. Magazines and newspapers from January 2013.
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Our appearances in the print media during the month of December 2012
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Our appearances in the print media during the month of November 2012