Olivenöl-Güteklassen erklärt: nativ extra, nativ, raffiniert und Lampante

Olive oil is not a single product — it's a family of grades defined by how the oil is produced, its chemistry and its taste. For buyers, understanding these classifications is the difference between ordering the right oil for your market and overpaying for the wrong one.

How olive oil is graded

International grades are set by the International Olive Council (IOC) and, in Europe, by EU regulation. Two things decide the grade: whether the oil is obtained purely mechanically (cold pressing or centrifugation, without chemicals or heat) and its free acidity, expressed as grams of oleic acid per 100 g.

The main grades

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

The top grade. Produced mechanically, with free acidity of no more than 0.8% and no sensory defects. It has the richest aroma and the highest levels of beneficial polyphenols — ideal for premium retail, food service and finishing.

Organic extra virgin

Extra virgin oil from certified organic groves — no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers — carrying EU Organic or USDA certification. Increasingly demanded by clean-label and health-focused brands.

Virgin olive oil

Also produced purely mechanically, but with free acidity up to 2.0% and minor sensory defects allowed. A sound, fruity oil at a more competitive price — a versatile choice for everyday retail lines and food manufacturers.

Lampante olive oil

Virgin oil that does not meet the standard for direct consumption (free acidity above 2.0%, or sensory defects). It is sold in bulk to refineries, where it is refined and blended to produce ordinary “olive oil”. Traded by the tonne for industrial buyers.

Key specifications buyers check

Beyond the grade name, professional buyers read the certificate of analysis for:

• Free acidity — lower is better; a freshness and quality marker.
• Peroxide value — measures oxidation; lower means fresher oil.
• Polyphenols — natural antioxidants tied to health benefits and shelf life.
• K232 / K270 — UV absorbance values that flag oxidation or refining.

Which grade should you buy?

It depends on your market and price point. Premium and organic retail call for extra virgin; private-label and everyday lines often use virgin; industrial and refining buyers source lampante in bulk. See our full range and specifications on the products page, or request a quote with your target grade and volume.