Announcement of the Results for the TOKYO International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition JOOTA AWARDS 2024!
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 5th Tokyo International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition “JOOTA AWARDS 2024.” Please refer to the PDF list of winners to view the highest quality extra virgin olive oils that have been honored with this prestigious award. Congratulations to all the winners!
JOOTA AWARDS 2024 Judging Process
The judging for JOOTA AWARDS 2024 took place from mid-May to late June.
A lawyer appointed by the organizers assigned secret code numbers to each oil to ensure anonymity, and the oils were then blind-tasted by quality award judges and special award judges selected by the executive committee. These judges evaluated extra virgin olive oils from around the world.
Quality Awards – A Highly Competitive and Close Contest
The Quality Awards are divided into six categories: four based on the intensity of fruitiness and fruity attributes, and two for extra virgin olive oils produced in the Southern Hemisphere and Japan.
In these categories, the titles of “Diamond Award,” “Gold Award,” and “Silver Award” are conferred. Additionally, the “Best Award” is granted to the top product among single-variety extra virgin olive oils, blended extra virgin olive oils, and those from each country (meeting certain criteria).
The Quality Awards are judged by internationally renowned experts in olive oil quality evaluation, including government and official agency-approved “tasters” and “panel leaders,” as well as experts from International Olive Council (IOC)-recognized panels and laboratories.
Top-class extra virgin olive oils showcased their unique characteristics, resulting in another highly competitive and close contest this year.
Special Awards – Selection of Outstanding EVOOs by Top Buyers and Famous Chefs
The Special Awards are judged by professionals from the culinary and retail industries.
They select outstanding extra virgin olive oils from their respective perspectives, awarding the “Buyer’s Award” and “Chef’s Award.”
This year, 13 buyers and chefs from renowned establishments selected the extra virgin olive oils honored with these awards. Judges praised the products for their exceptional flavors and unique characteristics.
Buyer’s Award
There are two categories within the Buyer’s Award: the “Department Store Buyer’s Award” and the “Luxury Supermarket Buyer’s Award,” with superior products selected by buyers from each establishment.
The selections were made in the “Flavor Category” based on flavor, and in the “Bottle Design Category” recognizing potential for in-store display.
Chef’s Award
Renowned chefs from various genres selected products that they felt had high potential for pairing with ingredients and dishes. Additionally, products chosen by Japanese cuisine chefs were awarded the title of ” Japanese Cuisine Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards.”
*Note: Comments from the special award judges will be introduced on the awards results page of the website along with the awarded products at a later date. Please look forward to it.
