Judges

dr. mahdi fendri hails from the olive-rich region of sfax, tunisia, where he was born into a family deeply rooted in olive cultivation. his journey into the enchanting realm of olive oil began during his early years.

armed with a degree from the prestigious higher institute of agronomy, dr. fendri ventured further, pursuing an international master's degree in olive growing and olive oil technology in spain. his thirst for knowledge led him to the university of granada, where he earned his phd in agricultural biology in 2011. to add to his impressive list of qualifications, he holds an expert in sensory assessment of virgin olive oils diploma from the university of jaen.

currently, dr. fendri serves as a distinguished researcher in food technology and olive oil quality at the esteemed olive institute in tunisia. he is at the forefront of numerous national and international projects dedicated to elevating the appreciation of local olive oils and unlocking their unique characteristics. prior to this, dr. fendri has played pivotal roles as a research fellow in collaborative tunisian and spanish projects. notably, he managed the sga private olive mill in sfax, tunisia, and has held various technical and scientific positions in both the tunisian and spanish olive industries.

dr. fendri's expertise extends to sensory evaluation and the art of olive oil tasting, a skill he has honed since 2014 in both spain and tunisia. his discerning palate has made him a sought-after judge in prestigious olive oil competitions worldwide, including the new york international olive oil competition and the sol d’oro international extra virgin olive oils competition in italy. he has also presided as a judge in the tunisian national competition, 'the best monocultivar olive oil,' and at the 1st tunisian contest of local products in tunis in 2017.

in the realm of literature and research, dr. fendri boasts an impressive track record. since 2008, he has contributed his expertise to twelve internationally funded r&d projects. he has delivered captivating presentations at nineteen national and international symposiums and scientific gatherings. his contributions to the field can be found in twenty national and international publications and books related to olive cultivation and olive oil technology. dr. fendri's dedication to innovation even led to the registration of a patent in oepm-spain.

driven by an unwavering passion for the limitless universe of extra virgin olive oil, dr. fendri remains endlessly curious, continually seeking new and exciting tasting experiences.

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.

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.

trigui mariem is a dedicated olive oil specialist from tunisia, currently residing in aspe alicante, spain. she excels in her role as an export assistant at aceite vicente perez/rey don jaime, where she manages the commercialization of olive and vegetable oils. her experience spans over a decade in the olive oil industry, including significant expertise in sensory analysis and quality control, gained through her work at panel "olea conseils" and "sgs tunisia," both accredited by the international olive council.

mariem holds a master's degree in oléiculture and elaiotechnics from the university of jaén, where she also earned a diploma in organoleptic assessment of virgin olive oils. her project, "les enfants fête l’olivier," marked a notable contribution to the promotion of olive oil awareness among young learners.

fluent in arabic, french, english, and spanish, mariem is well-equipped for international collaboration. her extensive training and certification in food safety management further solidify her role as a leader in her field. mariem is set to participate in the european international olive oil competition in geneva 2024, where her skills and knowledge will shine, contributing significantly to the event's success.

marisa silva, a globetrotting olive oil aficionado and a beacon in the world of gastronomy and wellness. trained in sensory analysis at the prestigious zurich university of applied sciences (zhaw) and certified as an olive oil sommelier by the renowned olive oil school of spain (esao), marisa is a treasure trove of expertise. her quest for knowledge didn't stop there; she further enhanced her repertoire with a course in nutritional sciences at stanford university's center for health education.

with a rich tapestry of experience as a communications professional, marisa founded "olive love," a company dedicated to unveiling the secrets of extra virgin olive oil's nutritional benefits and its boundless culinary applications. through captivating tasting events and master classes, she embarks on a mission to elevate public appreciation for this liquid gold, one drop at a time.

beyond her olive oil crusade, marisa's entrepreneurial spirit thrives in the hotel industry in south africa, where she infuses her love for hospitality with her passion for quality and excellence.

as a respected judge in the olive oil realm, marisa lends her refined palate to prestigious international competitions, including the swiss olive oil award and the buenos aires olive oil competition (baiocc), setting the standard for excellence. her journey to olive oil mastery is built upon a 17-year foundation in financial services marketing, spanning the united states, italy, brazil, and switzerland. with a degree in public relations from uade (universidad argentina de la empresa), marisa's story is one of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

marisa silva is more than an expert; she's an inspiration, illustrating how a profound love for olive oil can transcend traditional boundaries and cultivate a rich, global tapestry of taste, health, and education.

mehmet hacilarli is a seasoned trade expert at the ministry of trade in turkey, specializing in international olive oil affairs. born on october 1, 1980, he graduated from hacettepe university with a degree in business administration. fluent in english and spanish, his language skills have been crucial in his extensive international work.

since 2012, mehmet has served in the foreign relations department of the general directorate of cooperatives, spearheading turkey’s involvement in the international olive council (ioc). he has led the turkish delegation for a decade, participating in influential working groups like the codex, statistics, and quality strategies experts groups.

mehmet's expertise extends to sensory analysis; he established and leads a sensory analysis panel in ankara under the olivebody association, currently pursuing ioc accreditation. his contributions to olive oil quality evaluation are acknowledged through his frequent roles as a judge in both national and international olive oil competitions.

his qualifications include specialized training in international extra virgin olive oil sensory analysis and panel leadership from the ioc and jaen university. these credentials highlight his deep understanding of olive oil sensory properties and leadership in the field.
mehmet hacilarli continues to influence global olive oil standards and quality, making significant contributions to the industry through his leadership and expertise.

paz has her certification in train the trainer from the institute for agricultural and fisheries research (ifapa), she is the owner of the seville oleoteca. she teaches and organizes tastings and courses for the school of olive oil (esao) and for her own tasting room. yearly she coordinates olive oils for andalucía sabor trade fair and is a member of the jury of important international competitions (lodo-milan, feinschmecker-germany, iooc-dubai).

dr. eng. kaouther ben hassine is a distinguished and accomplished individual whose passion for the fields of food and agriculture has left an indelible mark on the industry. with a profound dedication to innovation and research, she has emerged as a leading luminary in her domain.

as an assistant professor at the ministry of agriculture and water resources and a valued member of the esteemed institution of agricultural research and higher education, dr. ben hassine has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge in these critical areas. her journey has been marked by relentless curiosity, unyielding perseverance, and a deep-rooted desire to contribute to the betterment of society.

with an extensive academic background that spans numerous accolades and degrees, dr. ben hassine's expertise shines brilliantly. she possesses a unique ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that her research and teachings have a real-world impact. her innovative approaches to addressing the challenges facing the agriculture and food sectors have earned her the admiration and respect of peers and students alike.

beyond her academic prowess, dr. ben hassine is a true advocate for sustainability and the responsible stewardship of our planet's resources. her work not only focuses on improving crop yields and food production but also on ensuring that these advancements are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. her vision extends far beyond the confines of her classroom or laboratory, encompassing a broader commitment to the global community.

throughout her career, dr. ben hassine has been a source of inspiration for aspiring scientists and a beacon of hope for the agricultural and food industries. her contributions have not only enriched our understanding of these vital sectors but have also paved the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

in a world where the challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture are more pressing than ever, dr. eng. kaouther ben hassine stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and a passion for making a positive impact. her biography serves as a testament to her exceptional journey, and her work continues to shape the future of food and agriculture for generations to come.