JOOTA AWARDS 2024 Special Award Results

Buyers Award

Department Store Buyer's AWARDS

Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd.

Shigeo Mano Selection

Flavor Section

①PATHEI / TENUTA CHIARAMONTE SOC AGR SRL

The fresh and rich aroma is striking. The pungency is mild, with a smooth aftertaste. It has excellent balance, making it suitable for various dishes. I would like to use it in a way that enhances its rich aroma, such as pairing it with soups.

The rich, roasted aroma and deep flavor are distinctive. The lingering aftertaste is unique, with the roasted notes remaining strong. The spiciness is subtle. I would like to pair it with dishes served at room temperature, around 34–35°C, to simply enjoy the oil’s fragrance.

The vibrant aroma is outstanding. The flavor is strong and long-lasting. Despite its strength, the balance is excellent, making it suitable for pairing with delicate dishes. It can also be used as a condiment, such as adding a touch to caviar appetizers for extra impact.

It has a strong presence, with a full-bodied, deep umami flavor. A hint of nuttiness can be detected in the aftertaste. I would like to pair it with grilled dishes. It works well with both fish and meat, and also pairs nicely with vegetables that have a mild astringency, like zucchini.

The aroma is complex and expansive. When tasted, it is mellow with excellent balance. Its potential to complement a wide range of ingredients is remarkable. I would like to pair it with bistecca made from lean red meat.

Bottle Design Section

Castillo de Canena Early Royal Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml / Castillo de Canena

The bottle’s simple yet distinctive shape and label design convey a sense of carefully considered sophistication.

TAKASHIMAYA CO., LTD.

Yuji Yamashita Selection

Flavor Section

①Finca la Torre HOJIBLANCA / Le Torre Project LLC

The aroma is very strong and powerful, with a solid body. The balance of aroma and flavor is well-harmonized. It would pair well with grilled dishes that have a nice char.

It has a gentle impression, making it ideal for pairing with light ingredients and dishes. I would like to bring out its character in dishes like oil-based pasta or ajillo.

It is rich and enhances ingredients without overpowering them, making it a versatile oil that can be used for anything. The overall cohesiveness is also good. I would like to use it as a daily condiment.

It has a distinctive fresh and invigorating aroma, reminiscent of young green grass. There is also complexity, with a pleasant bitterness and pungency. I would like to pair it with cheese, salads, and the like.

This oil has a solid foundation, making it well-suited for meat dishes, adding depth to cooking, and similar uses.

Bottle Design Section

①Letizia / Antolio Società Agricola

The label conveys the thoughts and messages that went into the product.

The new design and color scheme, unlike anything before, are striking.

Luxury Supermarket Buyers' AWARDS

OONOYA

Takamasa Oono Selection

Flavor Section

①ICONO SPICY / MEISTERWERK HOLDINGS Inc.

It has a fresh olive impression, with mild pungency and bitterness. I would pair it with gentle-flavored raw vegetables like baby leaves.

The scent of green tomatoes is distinctive, with a striking freshness. The balance of pungency and bitterness is good. It enhances the quality of ingredients without overpowering the dish. I would pair it with fresh cheese, tomatoes, and the like.

The pungency lingers, and the aftertaste is very pleasant. I would like to try it simply with salt and bread, or to pair its strong impression with tartare of red meat.

The overall balance is excellent, making it easy to pair with a variety of ingredients. The aroma of green tomatoes is noticeable. I would like to try it with simple ingredients like boiled potatoes.

It conveys a strong, firm presence overall. It pairs well with meat dishes. I would like to use it in Ajillo to bring out the quality of a high-quality oil.

Bottle Design Section

①ENTRE CAMINOS SELECTION / ESCALERA ALVAREZ S.A.T

The bottle as a whole conveys the fresh and vibrant essence of olives. It stands out without feeling out of place when displayed alongside other bottles.

Shinanoya Shokuhin

Tadayuki Iwasaki Selection

Flavor Section

①Terre di Pantaleo / OLIVA SICULA

While you can fully experience the fruity flavor of the olive oil, the texture is light. The pungency follows, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. I would like to pair it with salads and fish dishes.

It has an impression reminiscent of leafy greens and baby leaves. The initial aroma carries the essence of young grass, followed by a subtle sense of spice. The pungency also conveys the richness of polyphenols. I would enjoy it paired with salads.

The aroma of young leaves lingers in the nose, creating a very refreshing sensation. The moderate bitterness and pungency have a long-lasting aftertaste. I would like to pair it with all kinds of salads, as well as with spices and herbs.

It has the quintessential olive oil character, with a distinctive green tomato aroma. The bitterness is robust and long-lasting, and you can sense the strength of the polyphenols. I would like to pair it with lean red fish like bonito, accompanied by plenty of condiments (like Japanese herbs).

The balance is excellent, making it versatile for a wide range of ingredients and dishes. It’s also suitable for those new to olive oil, making this a great starting point to enjoy using olive oil.

Bottle Design Section

①ENTRE CAMINOS SELECTION / ESCALERA ALVAREZ S.A.T 

The olives are visually clear and beautiful.

The unique use of colors and the message conveyed by the label are memorable.

The design is refined and elegant, and it easily catches the eye.

MI FOOD STYLE CO. LTD QUEEN'S ISETAN

Mako Isoda Selection

Flavor Section

①ORO BAILEN ARBEQUINA / ACEITES ORO BAILEN GALGON 99 SLU

 This oil is very light and easy to enjoy. I think it would be especially convenient to use in Japan. I would particularly recommend it when choosing olive oil among the many available cooking oils.

The aroma comes first, and the oil is light and easy to eat. It doesn’t interfere with the dishes, making it a versatile oil. I would like to pair it with tangy tomatoes.

The aroma is fresh and vibrant, with a hint of greenery. It maintains its freshness in the mouth and pairs well with vegetables in salads, allowing the flavors of both the oil and the greens to be enjoyed together.

The aroma is gentle. When tasted, it has a slight sharpness that leaves a delicious aftertaste. It’s delicious, and there’s an instinctive sense of liking it!

The aroma is strong, with a noticeable fruitiness. The flavor is also fruity and robust—an excellent oil.

Bottle Design Section

①ENTRE CAMINOS SELECTION / ESCALERA ALVAREZ S.A.T

It looks elegant, and the artwork is also cute.

The cap is well-designed and user-friendly, which is rare in Japan. It also looks cute.

Maruoka Corp., Ltd.

Fumiaki Maruoka Selection

Flavor Section

①Fuente del Rey / MUELA-OLIVES S.L.

A strong pungency follows after, with a moderate bitterness. I would like to use it in a way that brings out the pungency as a spicy accent, similar to how it’s done in peperoncino pasta.

The overall balance is excellent, with well-harmonized bitterness and pungency, making it a flavor that many will enjoy. There is a faint hint of nutty aroma, and I would like to pair it with dishes rich in DASHI as well as meat dishes.

There is a subtle walnut aroma that emerges later in the mouth. The pungency is mild and pleasantly lingering. It seems to pair well with salads and seafood.

The aroma of muscat is striking. It has a gentle flavor with a faint pungency that comes in later. I would like to pair it with bread as well as use it in desserts.

The aroma has a fresh, grassy note, with a sense of coolness and refreshment. The pungency is felt first, followed by a firm bitterness, both of which linger for a long time. It pairs well with meat dishes in general, especially those from grass-fed animals. I would first try it with grilled beef.

Bottle Design Section

①Za Prudenza / Le Donne del Notaio

The design that conveys a message is eye-catching.

The design in a wooden box is beautiful.

WELCOME Co., Ltd.

Masashi Miyajima Selection

Flavor Section

①EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL LUCCA / Yagi Farm

The characteristics of ripe olives are well expressed, offering a rich and mellow flavor with good depth.

The fruity and vibrant aroma is striking. The balance is also excellent, allowing its character to shine even when paired with fruits.

The mellow and gentle qualities are outstanding. It would be ideal to use with delicate ingredients and dishes.

It’s light, but the bitterness adds a nice accent to the flavor. This strength complements rocket and meat. The balance is excellent, making it highly versatile.

It has a solid body with pronounced spiciness. The flavor carries a sense of volume and complexity. I would like to pair it with meat dishes like bistecca.

Bottle Design Section

①HERMES EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL/ VIEBON Inc.

The can type with its simple and stylish design is appealing.

The design is elegant and simply refined. The bottle shape is unique yet distinctive compared to others.

Chefs Award

InterContinental Tokyo Bay
Italian Dining Zillion

Yohei Abe Selection

Flavor Section

①ORO BAILEN ARBEQUINA / ACEITES ORO BAILEN GALGON 99 SLU

It has a refreshing aroma reminiscent of green apples and green tomatoes. There is a pleasant astringency, which pairs well with vegetables that have similar qualities. I would like to use it simply with raw vegetables. It also pairs well with dishes that use pepper and herbs.

It is mellow with well-balanced bitterness and pungency, creating an overall good harmony. Its versatility allows it to be paired with various ingredients and dishes. For meat, it goes well with white meats like chicken and pork. I would also like to use it in finishing appetizers and pasta dishes.

The flavor is fruity and mellow, with an aroma reminiscent of tropical fruits like pineapple and other exotic fruits. It can be used universally, but I prefer to pair it with fresh ingredients and dishes rather than cooked ones.

The overall balance is excellent. It has a sense of greenness and astringency, with strong bitterness and pungency, and the pungency has a long-lasting effect. The smooth texture is also notable. I would like to pair it with fresh cheeses, as well as dishes that use seafood like squid and scallops.

The aroma of artichoke stems is pronounced. It has a moderate bitterness and astringency, followed by a subtle lingering pungency, and also carries the impression of rocket. The overall composition and balance are excellent, making it suitable for various dishes. I would prefer to pair it with cold dishes to take advantage of its lingering flavors.

Nœud.TOKYO

Naoto Nakatsuka Selection

Flavor Section

①ICONO SPICY / MEISTERWERK HOLDINGS Inc.

This oil has a fragrant bouquet that I want to utilize. The pungency is mild, making it a good match for marinated white fish.

Both the aroma and pungency are gentle, offering a soft and mellow sensation in the mouth. The lingering pungency is pleasant, and I would like to use it as a sauce for lightly poached SHIRAKO in white wine.

The bitterness and pungency are strong and impactful. I would like to try it with the liver of shellfish like turban shells.

The fresh, green aroma reminiscent of a meadow, combined with the scent of white flowers, is remarkable. The vibrant aroma would be wonderful with stuffed zucchini flowers.

There is a noticeable aroma of fresh tomato stems. I would like to pair it with dishes that use fresh tomatoes.

Ginza Hachigou

Yasushi Matsumura Selection

Flavor Section

①GOYA® Premium Organics Extra Virgin Olive Oil / Goya en España S.A.U

The aroma is rich and very vibrant, with a sense of astringency. I would like to mix it with sherry vinegar for use in salads. Additionally, I would like to take advantage of its aroma and pair it with a tomato-free minestrone soup.

 It has a calm and gentle impression. I would like to use it simply with bread.

It has a sense of density and clings well to ingredients, even in small amounts. Its sharpness ensures that when used with fatty ingredients or meat dishes like tagliata, the aftertaste remains crisp and doesn’t become dull. It also pairs well with bitter vegetables like endive and Radicchio Rosso.

The aftertaste is excellent, with a pungency that is strong and long-lasting. It’s versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications.

The bitterness and pungency are strong and persistent. The balance is also excellent, making it an oil that can serve as a sauce on its own. For example, simply pairing it with grilled white fish and lemon brings out the best in both the ingredients and the oil.

BAR&DELI ROSSELLO

Miquel Rossello Selection

Flavor Section

①Fuente del Rey / MUELA-OLIVES S.L.

It has a dry impression with a sense of thickness and a solid body. The pungency lingers persistently afterward. I would like to pair it with Galician-style octopus, pan con tomate, and jamón. It also seems to pair well with sparkling wine and sherry.

It has a strong impression with persistent pungency. I would like to use it with vinegar or pair it with salty foods. It seems well-suited for boquerones, mussels, and cold dishes.

A gentle and well-balanced oil. It can be paired with almost anything. I would like to pair it with salads of Iberico ham, scallop carpaccio, salmon and avocado tartare. It also seems great for a quick drizzle over a tortilla.

Delicate and elegant. It can be used widely in various dishes and pairs well with pan con tomate and octopus dishes.

It is robust, with a sense of depth and richness. I would like to pair it with grilled eggplant, anchovy and roasted vegetable pies, bocadillos.

SALONE 2007

Keita Yuge Selection

Flavor Section

①ZAJARI EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL / O!LiveJapan Corp.

This oil has a sharp impression. Its depth and distinctive character inspire culinary creativity, making it intriguing for chefs. The complexity makes one want to pair it with richer dishes. Drizzling it over Tuscan lampredotto and bean stews adds an aroma that stimulates the appetite.

The refined aroma is refreshing, and it carries notes of tomato vine. It doesn’t overpower the ingredients, making it ideal for salads, cold dishes, and delicate white fish like flounder.

This oil has a luxurious feel, with a high level of balance and harmony. It gives the impression of something that has grown richly under the sun. It would enhance any dish, whether hot or cold, and its character truly comes alive when used generously.

This oil, with its tea-like aroma reminiscent of black tea leaves, is intriguing when used in desserts. It would pair beautifully with smoked duck roast and orange, where the oil’s aroma would truly shine.

The way this oil evolves from its first impression is intriguing. It starts with a gentle, creamy impression, followed by a sharp pungency, and finishes with a nutty note, making it a delightful experience. I would like to use it in dishes like Calabrian nduja with stewed tomatoes, and in basil-based dishes like Genovese.

AKASAKA NINOMAE

Takahiro Itakura Selection

Japanese Cuisine Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards

Flavor Section

①GOYA® Extra Virgin Olive Oil / Goya en España S.A.U

The aroma and bitterness are strong, making it a good match for seared bonito with the scent of straw.

When used with soy sauce on rice with a raw egg, it adds depth and richness, enhancing the flavor.

It pairs well with Japanese seasonings. For example, using it in simmered fish dishes complements the flavor of soy sauce, adding richness and depth. 

With its strong flavor, pungency, and bitterness, this oil has a rich body that enhances the umami of fatty meats. It pairs well with cuts like sirloin and ribeye.

The balance of flavor, pungency, and bitterness is excellent. It can be paired with lightly boiled bitter greens, and added when sautéing spinach or goya. This oil enhances the natural flavor of the ingredients, making it ideal for complementing them without overpowering.

An oil that pairs well with lean red meat. For example, enjoy its aroma by brushing it over charcoal-grilled beef tenderloin as it cooks.

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