Virgin Olive Oil vs Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Business
When sourcing olive oil for your business, whether you run a restaurant, food retail outlet, catering service, or food manufacturing company, it’s important to understand the differences between Virgin Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Both are natural and beneficial, but they serve different needs in the food industry depending on flavour, production standards, and cost.
Production Standards
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Produced from pure, cold-pressed olives without heat or chemicals, EVOO meets the strictest quality criteria: acidity below 0.8% and flawless sensory characteristics. This makes EVOO the premium choice for businesses that want to highlight quality, authenticity, and superior taste in their offerings.
Virgin Olive Oil: Also cold-pressed, virgin olive oil has slightly higher acidity (up to 2%) and may show minor flavour imperfections. It is still a natural, healthy option but positioned as more economical while retaining good taste and performance.
Flavour Profiles and Applications
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: With complex, fruity, and peppery notes, EVOO elevates dishes when used raw and shines in premium applications. It is perfect for restaurants, delicatessens, and high-end food producers looking to emphasise provenance and flavour. Best for dressings, dips, and finishing dishes.
Virgin Olive Oil: Milder and less complex, virgin olive oil is versatile and more cost-effective. It suits caterers, hospitality groups, and manufacturers who need reliable oil for frying, sautéing, and baking at scale.
Commercial Considerations
Both types are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, appealing to today’s health-conscious consumers. The choice depends on your positioning:
EVOO communicates luxury, authenticity, and artisanal quality, best for premium dining and gourmet retail.
Virgin Olive Oil provides value, practicality, and flexibility, ideal for high-volume cooking and food production.
Which Should Your Business Choose?
Opt for Extra Virgin Olive Oil if your brand requires premium storytelling and maximum flavour impact.
Choose Virgin Olive Oil if your priority is cost-effectiveness and reliable performance for everyday cooking at volume.
At Aecoz, we source high-quality olive oils directly from trusted European farms. While we specialise in Extra Virgin Olive Oil for businesses seeking the highest standard, we can also guide you on how Virgin Olive Oil compares, helping you make the right choice for your brand, menu, or product line.