Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) March 19, 2014
Bellucci Premium, a high quality Italian olive oil producer, comments on the threat that blended olive oil poses to the quality of the olive oil market.
An article published by Olive Oil Times on March 3rd titled, “Blended Oils ‘Bad for Transparency’”, reports on the widespread concern that Greece recently recommended, “the country allow olive oils blended with other vegetable virgin oils to be produced and sold by Greek producers for the domestic market.” Since Greece is considered one of the most premium olive oil producers in the world, many believe that this will catch on in surrounding Mediterranean countries that are known for superior olive oil production.
Although olive oil blends are not banned by the EU in any Mediterranean countries, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stated in a 2012 report that “marketing standards for olive oil does allow member states to stop them being produced within their territory where the production is for domestic consumption.” The worrisome fact is that if producers begin allowing blended oils to be produced and consumed domestically, that it will be difficult to track and test for other virgin vegetable oils, therefore harming the transparency of the market.
Domestic markets in several Mediterranean countries cannot legally ban the sale of blended oils if they are imported into the territory. They also are able to export these types of blends, but can only state the presence of olive oil if it accounts for over half of the blend.
Natalie Sexenian, marketing manager for Bellucci Premium, says, “Extra virgin olive oil, in its very nature, must continue to be a product of purity and honesty. Lately, there have been some controversies with producers who label their product ‘extra virgin’ when they are blended with lesser quality oils. This practice is deceitful to customers. However, customers can protect themselves. Always look for the harvest date on a bottle of extra virgin olive oil for maximum freshness. Bellucci Premium even offers a traceability system that allows customers to see exactly where the olives used in a bottle are from. Transparency is one of the most important aspects of being an extra virgin olive oil producer.”
Bellucci Premium offers three different types of oil, including an organic option, with a mild peppery flavor and fruity undertones that will satisfy any palate. Bellucci Premium Toscano extra virgin olive oil uses olives that are grown on the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany, and maintained by 3rd and 4th generation farmers. The third type of oil Bellucci produces is the finest 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, grown in many different regions of Italy.
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