Almazaras de la Subbética certifications: a symbol of commitment, quality, transparency and dedication

What certifications bring us as producers.

For us, producers of EVOO—with our carefully crafted oil, the best flavour and impeccable quality—a certification such as ‘Designation of Origin’ or ‘Organic Certification’ not only supports our good work, it also puts us on the global map. Consumers, who are increasingly well informed, seek authentic and sustainable products, and certification gives them the confidence that they are making a responsible, quality choice.

In the international market, these distinctions open doors to new horizons beyond our borders and allow us to compete on equal terms with other globally recognised brands. In addition, certifications are also an excellent mechanism to help us stand out from competitors who do not meet the same standards, which translates into added value for our exquisite oils.

What certifications bring you as a consumer.

For the consumer, reading these certifications on the bottle of their extra virgin olive oil ensures that the product has undergone rigorous quality controls that verify its origin, production process and organoleptic characteristics such as flavour, aroma and acidity.

When an olive oil carries certification, the consumer can trust that they are purchasing a product that meets the highest standards; that the oil comes from a specific region with controlled, environmentally respectful production; that the product adheres to values of transparency and traceability; and much more.

Moreover, these certifications protect consumers against fraud or low-quality products. In global markets, where the range of olive oils is broad and diverse, certifications make it easier to identify genuinely superior-quality products. In this way, the consumer not only chooses an olive oil they know is authentic, but also supports responsible, sustainable agricultural practices.

The quality seals of Almazaras de la Subbética.

So which certifications back us and endorse us as the best EVOO in the world? Let us explain!

1. 1. BRC Certification: The British Retail Consortium. This is a production system standard developed by major British retail chains (such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose) in 1992 and is now one of the global safety standards. It proposes food safety protocols with two aims: on the one hand, to ensure supplier compliance and, on the other, to provide retailers with a tool to guarantee the safety of the products they sell.
   2. IFS Certification: The International Featured Standard is a private technical protocol and a globally recognised safety standard. It is currently the most demanding certification in terms of food safety, together with BRC. It was created due to the need for a common safety standard for all food industries worldwide, offering greater ease of comparison and transparency throughout the entire supply chain, as well as helping manufacturers and distributors reduce costs and time.
   3. OU Certification: The Orthodox Union Kosher, USA, the largest certification agency in the world. A product with this certification ensures that it has been made with Kosher ingredients and processed on equipment dedicated exclusively to Kosher foods. Kosher foods are prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws and are permissible for consumption as they meet the requirements of the Hebrew Bible’s diet. Displaying this symbol on our bottling immediately and universally enhances us, increasing our commercial potential.
   4. CAAE Certification: This is the certificate granted by this international body with a global approach for a more organic world. Certified organic products are those that have been verified by CAAE, meaning they contain no synthetic chemicals and guaranteeing that all requirements and rules relating to organic production, labelling and control are met, with processing that is respectful of the environment.
   5. JAS Certification: This is the Japanese organic agricultural production certificate, created by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It is required for clients who wish to export their organic production to Japan, even if they hold certificates from other countries.
   6. BIOSUISSE Certification: This certificate is issued by a prestigious private organisation that brings together organic farmers in Switzerland. Its seal guarantees that we have carried out farming free from synthetic chemical products and genetically modified organisms, promoting practices that foster biodiversity and environmental sustainability. It is a certification that also has a significant social component, as it requires a decent income for farmers, values the retention of population in rural areas, and promotes the maintenance of the surrounding biodiversity.
   7. QV EXTRA Certification: This label on a bottle guarantees to the end consumer that they are obtaining the highest quality level of extra virgin olive oil, premium EVOOs.
   8. Designations of Origin: In our case, we proudly display D.O. Priego, D.O. Lucena and D.O. Baena. Protected Designation of Origin products are those whose quality or characteristics are due to the geographical environment with its natural and human factors, and whose production, processing and preparation always take place within that defined geographical area from which they take their name. Thus, consumers place us on the global map, granting us our authenticity.
   9. ISO22005 Certification: This standard establishes traceability systems in food supply chains, meaning its seal symbolises that it facilitates the identification of origin and the tracking of products throughout production and distribution, helping to guarantee the safety of goods.

In short, when you purchase a bottle of extra virgin olive oil from Almazaras de la Subbética, you will be buying quality in capital letters. Obtaining a quality certification is proof of our effort and dedication—seals that position us as a trusted benchmark in the competitive world of extra virgin olive oil.