Judges

nurturing the earth's bounty

in the heart of crete, where ancient traditions meet modern expertise, there exists a remarkable individual who has dedicated her life to the cultivation and celebration of nature's gifts. meet eleftheria germanaki, a woman whose journey began with a profound love for agronomy and has since blossomed into a lifelong mission to preserve and elevate the essence of the mediterranean's liquid gold – olive oil.

with a degree in agronomy proudly in her grasp, eleftheria embarked on her professional journey, quickly finding her niche as the panel supervisor laboratory of organoleptic assessment at the agricultural cooperative of rethymno (a.c.r.). this role was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to ensuring the quality and authenticity of olive oil and other agricultural treasures such as milk and grapes.

since 1986, eleftheria has been the trusted guardian of the region's virgin olive oil, overseeing every aspect of its production and quality control. her dedication to preserving the integrity of this precious elixir has been unwavering, and her work has had a profound impact on the agricultural landscape of crete.

eleftheria's expertise extends beyond the laboratory, as she has actively participated in numerous training seminars since the turn of the millennium. these seminars focused on the art of olive oil production and highlighted the importance of organic farming and protected designation of origin (pdo) practices. as the head of european schemes on olive oil, organic farming, and pdo, she has championed sustainable, environmentally-friendly methods that not only ensure the highest quality products but also protect the land for future generations.

one of her most significant contributions has been her role in educating farmers on the journey "from field to shop." eleftheria has not only guided them in producing exceptional olive oil but has also instilled in them a sense of responsibility towards the environment and sustainable agriculture. her dedication to the holistic approach of olive oil production reflects her vision of its potential to heal not only the financial landscape but the planet as a whole.

eleftheria germanaki's influence extends far beyond the shores of crete. as a proud member of the panel of the new york international olive oil competition (nyiooc), she has had a hand in recognizing and celebrating the world's finest olive oils. her role as a judge in competitions across greece has allowed her to share her unparalleled expertise and contribute to the global appreciation of this divine product.

for eleftheria, olive oil is more than just a culinary treasure; it's a source of inspiration that has shaped her entire life. hailing from a family with a rich tradition of olive oil production, her roots run deep in the olive groves of crete. her studies, her career, and her passion are all a testament to the profound impact this liquid gold has had on her life.

in the story of eleftheria germanaki, we find a guardian of tradition, a champion of sustainability, and a passionate advocate for the healing potential of olive oil. her life's work is a testament to the power of dedication and love for the land, and her legacy will continue to enrich the world of agriculture and gastronomy for generations to come.

a master of extra virgin olive oil excellence: from aircraft engineer to olive oil virtuoso.

born on the captivating island of crete in greece, destiny had preordained him to become a true master of extra virgin olive oil excellence. his life's journey has been extraordinary, characterized by a profound passion for the liquid gold that is mediterranean olive oil.

from the early days of his life, our protagonist displayed an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. he began his educational journey with dreams of soaring through the skies as an aircraft engineer, aiming to master the intricate mechanics of flying machines. for years, he pursued this path with unwavering dedication, honing his skills and delving deep into the world of aviation.

but life has a way of revealing one's true calling, and destiny guided him toward a different path. he transitioned seamlessly into the field of international relations, where he navigated the intricacies of global diplomacy and established connections with people from all walks of life. these experiences expanded his horizons and enriched his understanding of the world.

then, something truly magical happened. over 15 years ago, our protagonist discovered his true calling amidst the ancient olive groves of crete. it was here, amid the gnarled olive trees and the scent of sun-drenched earth, that his passion for olive oil was ignited. he embarked on a new chapter in his life, one filled with the pursuit of perfection in the realm of olive oil.

for over 15 years, he has been an unwavering presence in the olive oil sector, dedicating his expertise to olive mill technology, quality olive oil extraction, sustainable cultivation practices, and international marketing. he didn't just immerse himself in this world; he became a shining figure within it.

his journey toward mastery led him to the hallowed halls of the international olive council, where he underwent rigorous training under the guidance of ioc instructors. today, he stands as a distinguished member of the certified panel of tasters in the olive oil sensory evaluation lab of acr, right in the heart of crete. as a member of this elite panel, he possesses an extraordinary palate capable of discerning the subtlest nuances of olive oil flavor profiles.

not content with being a silent connoisseur, he extended his reach to the global stage, serving as a revered judge in international olive oil competitions. his keen eye and refined palate have played a pivotal role in recognizing and celebrating the finest olive oils from around the world.

as an expert in his field, his knowledge and experience are universally acknowledged and respected. his passion for extra virgin olive oil transcends the culinary realm; it is an art, a science, and a way of life. he has graced international fairs and events as an invited speaker, sharing his profound insights on olive oil-related subjects. his presence has illuminated prestigious gatherings like the ioc summit, the fhc summit, and the horeca forum.

in the world of extra virgin olive oil, he is not just a professional; he is an artist, a scholar, and a true advocate for the liquid gold that flows from the olive tree. born in crete, his heart beats to the rhythm of the olive groves, and his passion for quality excellence in extra virgin olive oil is nothing short of inspiring. his journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication, and his story is a beacon of light for all who seek to elevate their craft to the level of artistry.

javier sanchez is a true maestro of the olive oil industry, boasting over 15 years of invaluable expertise in the field. his remarkable journey through the world of olive oil has been marked by numerous accolades and a deep-rooted passion for quality and excellence.

in 2019, javier received the prestigious "maestro de almazara" award at the oleomaq international fair, a testament to his unparalleled mastery as a miller and quality advisor. with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to perfection, he has played an instrumental role in the success of award-winning olive oil companies.

javier's journey into the world of olive oil began in 2006 when he embarked on his career as an active olive oil taster. over the years, he has honed his senses and refined his palate to become a distinguished panelist of the ioc accredited "panel de catadores de aceites de oliva virgenes de aragón." his discerning taste and expert evaluations have contributed significantly to the assessment of olive oils' quality and authenticity.

beyond his local acclaim, javier's expertise transcends borders. he is a respected member of international juries, having lent his discerning palate to the prestigious terraolivo competition in 2018 and the esteemed evo-iooc competitions in 2019 and 2020. as a juror, he has helped recognize and celebrate the finest olive oils from around the world, further solidifying his reputation as a global authority in the field.

javier sanchez's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication, passion, and expertise in the world of olive oil. with his exceptional skills, he continues to make significant contributions to the industry, elevating the standards of quality and taste for olive oil enthusiasts and producers alike.

a visionary in the world of olive oil
meet claudio vignoli, a true maestro in the art of olive oil. with over 25 years of dedicated experience, he has not only mastered the craft but has also made an indelible mark on the industry.

in 1996, claudio embarked on his journey as an export sales manager for the world's foremost olive oil mill manufacturer. over a decade, he honed his expertise, understanding every nuance of this liquid gold. then, in 2007, he took a leap of faith and founded his own company, the claudio vignoli group. this venture became a beacon of knowledge and innovation, offering technical and marketing consultancy to olive oil producers worldwide.

claudio's reach extends far and wide. he is a trusted advisor to multinational consulting firms, including glg (gerson lehrman group) and guidepoint global llc. in 2015, he ventured into the heart of miami, creating miami olive oil & beyond llc, a company that imports premium extra virgin olive oil from the mediterranean and elegantly bottles it in the vibrant city of miami, florida. his brand became synonymous with excellence, supplying private-label oils to major u.s. distribution companies, cruise lines, hotels, and restaurants.

but claudio's mission goes beyond business; it's a passion. he's dedicated to educating buyers, chefs, and industry professionals about the art of selecting and appreciating high-quality olive oils. his commitment shines through in in-store demos, tasting classes, workshops, and more.

claudio's influence stretches across the globe. he is an independent advisor for esteemed brands in australia, california, uruguay, spain, and italy, shaping the olive oil landscape in each of these regions. in 2022, he embarked on yet another adventure, founding a brand that proudly bears his name: vignoli food. this brand is a testament to his unwavering commitment to producing premium quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegar of modena.

claudio's accolades are numerous. he's been an esteemed member of o.l.e.a. (association of olive oil experts and tasters) since 2017. his insights have graced international olive oil competitions as a keynote speaker, jury member, and presenter. his discerning palate is a regular fixture on the judging panels of many prestigious competitions.

claudio vignoli isn't just a name; he's an embodiment of passion, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of olive oil. his story is a testament to what can be achieved when knowledge and dedication converge in pursuit of the perfect olive oil.

dr. sonda laroussi is an international olive oil expert. she is a table olives and virgin olive oil sensory analysis trainer. she has already trained, supported and assisted several sensory analysis laboratories from the creation to ioc recognition and the accreditation (iso 17025). she is the founder & the panel leader of the first private panel in tunisia "olea conseils" laboratory. today olea conseils" is a technical center dedicated for olive oil analysis, studies and training.

she is  the co-founder and the ceo of ‘220’an agritech startup that connects olive oil traders and producers and works to enhance the olive oil quality and the farmer’s livelihoods. she is very active in the olive oil sector and the education of the producers, consumers and children about olive oil culture, quality and tasting.

mirella Žanetić, a prominent figure in the world of olive oil, has dedicated her life to its exploration and appreciation. from her academic roots at the university of zagreb to her pivotal role at the institute for adriatic crops and karst reclamation, mirella's journey has reshaped the olive oil industry.

educated in food technology at the university of zagreb, mirella's passion for olive oil began to flourish. her academic career extended to the university of split rector's office, where she demonstrated her leadership and commitment to education.

as the head of the laboratory at the institute for adriatic crops and karst reclamation, mirella delved into the intricacies of virgin olive oils. her decades-long research has elevated olive oil production's quality and understanding.

mirella's exceptional palate made her a crucial figure in sensory analyses of virgin olive oil. she judged at prestigious competitions like nyiooc and evo iooc, solidifying her reputation as an olive oil quality expert.

beyond her scientific pursuits, mirella celebrated olive oil's cultural significance. she introduced the tradition of savoring olive oil like wine in spanish gastronomy, recognizing its rich flavors.

mirella Žanetić's journey is a testament to her dedication and passion. her legacy as a scientist, educator, and cultural ambassador for olive oil continues to inspire.

philippe bruyninckx is a distinguished olive oil expert who will serve as a judge in your olive oil competition. he was born in a country where butter reigns as king, and mayonnaise takes the throne as queen, but his journey took an unexpected turn during a vacation in southeastern crete in the 1980s. there, he was pleasantly surprised by the magnificent taste and quality of extra virgin olive oil.

after discovering this culinary treasure, philippe was inspired to delve deeper into the world of olive oil. he knocked on the door of onaoo (organizzazione nazionale assaggiatori olio di oliva), the national organization of olive oil tasters. thanks to a dedicated teacher at onaoo, he embarked on a three-year learning path.

during this time, philippe honed his skills and knowledge in olive oil tasting and production. through dedication and support for his craft, he witnessed the growth and success of his business.

philippe bruyninckx has dedicated his life to understanding and appreciating olive oil at the highest level. his journey is an inspiring tale of curiosity, education, and passion for the exceptional within the world of olive oil. as a judge in your competition, he will bring his expertise and love for olive oil to evaluate and celebrate the finest examples of this exquisite product.