Panel
2026
Quality Awards Jury:
Olive Oil Analysis Experts
The judging team for the JOOTA AWARDS Quality Award is composed of tasters and panel leaders who have been selected as top experts from Japan and overseas to perform quality evaluation and sensory analysis of olive oil.
In major olive oil producing countries such as Europe and the Mediterranean countries, olive oil specialists called “tasters” (and the panel) certified by governments and public organizations are responsible for sensory analysis of olive oil in order to protect the quality of olive oil.
The Japan Olive Oil Taster Association has true experts who have been trained in accordance with the formal regulations of its international standards of IOC and is working to improve the quality of olive oil and contribute to the development of the olive culture and industry.
As a specialist institution that evaluates olive oil quality to the world standard in Japan, we maintain a neutral and impartial position and build a network with institutions, organizations and experts around the world.
Because our association is an organization based on such activities, top experts in quality evaluation gather to achieve high-level judgement.
Giulio Scatolini
Alfonso Fernández
Himeyo Nagatomo
Yuji Matsuto
Akiko Iguchi
Sekiyo Mizuno
Hazuki Nonaka
Mizuki Yamanaka
Takahide Watanabe
Yuki Okamoto
Special Awards Jury:
Industry Professionals
The JOOTA Awards special prize is judged by top industry professionals, including chefs and distributors. These experts select the best extra virgin olive oil from each perspective and give special prizes. Through this selection, we will create a deeper value in the Japanese market for extra virgin olive oil and the people that make it great.
Chef's Awards Judges
Celebrated Top Chefs
Yohei Abe
Italian Dining Zillion Chef
https://www.interconti-tokyo.com/zillion/
Mateu Villaret
Chef / Owner
https://masia.jp/
Yuki inoue
LA BISBOCCIA TOKYO Inc.
Chef / Director
https://labisboccia.tokyo/
Takanori Tanaka
Restaurant Chambord
Grand Chef / Restaurants Chef
https://www.rihga.co.jp/
Tomoki Yamada
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/osacici-conrad-osaka/
Ryuta Shiogai
Autograph Collection
Executive Sous Chef
https://osakastation-hotel.jp/
Akinori Matsumoto
President
https://www.instagram.com/nihonshu_lab_matsumoto/
Department Store Buyers' Awards Judges
There are High quality, Elegance, Luxury, Tradition…
From the most famous and largest Japanese Department Stores.
Koichi Kamimura
MERCHANDISING HEADQUARTERS
FOODS DIVISION MERCHANDISER
https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/
Shutaro Bando
Merchandising Group Ⅰ
Promotion Merchandising Division
Foods Assistant Buyer
https://www.imhds.co.jp/corporate/index_en.html
Luxury Supermarket Buyers' Awards Judges
Top Elite buyers of Luxury Supermarkets that handle high-quality products.
Takamasa Oono
Sales Division
Executive Officer Deputy General Manager
https://foodhouse-oonoya.co.jp/
Tadayuki Iwasaki
Manager&Buyer
https://shinanoya.co.jp/
Ayaka Hatasa
Merchandise Management Division
Merchandise Department
Grocery Group Assistant Buyer
https://www.im-food.co.jp/
Fumiaki Maruoka
https://www.e-maruoka.jp/
Masashi Miyajima
DEAN & DELUCA DIVISION
MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT CHIEFBUYER
https://www.welcome.jp/brands/dean_and_deluca
*Titles, affiliations, and honorifics of the Special Awards judges are as of the time of judging.
全く新しいコンセプトの
コンペティション
あなたのオリーブオイルは、愛情をたっぷりと注がれ生み出された、唯一無二の尊い存在です。
さあ、JOOTA AWARDSとともに、日本市場、世界市場の扉を開きましょう。
