Ultra Premium (UP) Extra Virgin Olive Oil represents the highest standard of olive oil quality globally. Created to distinguish truly exceptional oils from the misleading “gourmet” and “premium” labels dominating mass markets, the UP standard prioritizes Freshness and Chemistry, objectively measured and certified.
While traditional standards focus on origin, UP emphasizes critical factors like When, What, and How the oil is made. Freshness is key: as olive oil ages, it oxidizes, losing sensory quality and nutritional value. Advanced tests, such as Diacylglycerol Content (DAGs) and Pyropheophytins (PPP), verify freshness at every stage of the oil’s lifecycle.
The UP standard surpasses all global benchmarks, including European, Californian, and other regional certifications. Oils must meet rigorous requirements for production, storage, and testing to qualify. This ensures that only the finest, freshest oils earn the UP seal.
Veronica Foods independently verifies every oil considered for UP certification, conducting both sensory and chemical analyses. Oils without the UP mark may still be authentic but do not meet the program’s unmatched quality criteria. By promoting higher standards, the UP program supports fair trade practices and rewards producers dedicated to excellence.