Applied Sensory, LLC

Professional Olive OilCertification Services

Basic Sensory Evaluation

A basic sensory evaluation involves trained specialists objectively rating olive oil for defects, overall fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency. The oil's sensory grade is determined based on California and U.S. olive oil standards. The written report provides attribute intensities and sensory grade. Use this evaluation to confirm olive oils meet sensory grading requirements.

IOC Panel Test

Basic Sensory Evaluation

The IOC Panel Test is similar to the basic sensory evaluation but uses the International Olive Council (IOC) standards for sensory grading. The report includes IOC attribute intensities and grades. Use this test to confirm olive oils meet IOC sensory grading requirements.

Detailed Sensory Evaluation

A detailed sensory evaluation describes olive oils using specific attributes, defects, overall fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency, and assesses style/intensity (delicate, medium, or robust). The report includes sensory grade, style/intensity, a cobweb plot, and a bar graph. Use it for precise descriptors and styles for marketing or blending.

Certification Bundle

Detailed Sensory Evaluation

The Certification Bundle is the most common package and meets COOC minimum requirements. It includes a Basic Sensory Analysis, where trained specialists assess defects, fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency, determining the oil's sensory grade based on California and U.S. olive oil standards. The chemistry tests (Free Fatty Acid, Peroxide, and UV Analysis) evaluate the purity, stability, and quality of the olive oil. This bundle ensures your olive oil meets basic EVOO requirements.

CertificationSeal

Olive oils evaluated by The Applied Sensory Olive Oil Taste Panel are eligible for the EVOO certification seal if they meet two criteria: Extra Virgin sensory grade and passing chemical analysis based on California, U.S., or IOC standards.

A recent study conducted by an Applied Sensory customer found that the Applied Sensory Panel “Certified Extra Virgin” seal was the most-preferred certification for their olive oil. It outperformed USDA Organic, non-GMO, and other familiar claims. The combination of quality (“Certified Extra Virgin”) and expert, sensory-based details (“Applied Sensory Panel”) boosted impact. The certification resonated widely across their key consumer segments, making it a compelling on-pack signal of quality and taste.

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How a Sensory Evaluation Can Help

Help maximize your product's potential by understanding:

The sensory attributes of their products.
The sensory abilities of personnel.
How to best monitor sensory quality and consistency for their business.
Consumer perception and acceptance of new and existing products.

Help assess your goals and choose the right:

Help maximize your product's potential by understanding:

Procedures
Analytical tools
Statistics
Training methods

Help you make better business decisions by:

Help maximize your product's potential by understanding:

Help you make better business decisions by:

Gather and leverage objective and actionable sensory and consumer data.
Compare your products vs. your competitor's.
Identify the key sensory attributes of your products.
Communicate sensory issues clearly across departments