Through premium education, trusted quality indicators, and immersive real-world experiences, IOON fosters a global culture where olive oil is not just a product—but a profound journey.
THE IOON APPROACH
A Network of Credibility and Collaboration
Credibility, collaboration, and impact matter. IOON provides
a growing global platform connecting excellence in olive oil — from sensory science to gastronomy, from field to table.
360° Olive Oil Sommelier Advanced Certificate Program
Train with top experts in sensory science, gastronomy, health, and sustainability. Earn an accredited credential grounded in real-world practice and international standards — backed by academic institutions and IOC-recognized panels.
Global Expert Network
Connect with leading scientists, chefs, academics, producers, health advocates, and retail innovators across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
Trusted Quality Ecosystem
Engage with IOON’s growing ecosystem of academic partners, ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, IOC-recognized panels, and selected experience partners — all advancing olive oil appreciation, excellence, and trust worldwide.
In collaboration with: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Associazione Internazionale Ristoranti dell'Olio (AIRO),
IOC-recognized sensory panels, and internationally recognized experts from IOON’s Council of Experts.
IOON 360° OLIVE OIL SOMMELIER ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Program Description
Holistic, cross-disciplinary approach
The 360° Olive Oil Sommelier is a new professional profile offering
a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach to the olive oil sector — connecting every point of the value chain through sensory expertise, gastronomy, communication, and applied practice.
All dimensions of olive oil excellence
Train across all dimensions of olive oil excellence: from scientific tasting to culinary integration, premium product positioning, and compelling sommelier storytelling.
Connecting olive oil to health, gastronomy, and sensory innovation
The program includes immersive tastings (standard, rare, and underrepresented cultivars), cross-cultural casework, and hands-on exercises — connecting olive oil to health, gastronomy, and sensory innovation.
CPD-accredited
This CPD-accredited program builds on IOC-aligned sensory science and real-world practice to equip participants to become trusted advisors, educators, and ambassadors of quality EVOO across the value chain.
Network of producers, experts, and thought leaders
Held in parallel with the Future of Olive Oil Summit, participants gain privileged access to a curated network of producers, experts, and thought leaders shaping the future of the sector.
By placing olive oil sommelier training at the center of IOON’s mission, this program empowers:
Retailers to differentiate in competitive markets
Producers to refine their products
Chefs to innovate in pairing and menu design
Consumers to make informed, rewarding choices
This inclusive, cross-cutting approach elevates quality, builds trust, and fosters collaboration and growth throughout the entire olive oil ecosystem.
What You’ll Master
Sensory Science
& Quality Leadership
Develop structured sensory evaluation rooted in IOC and international standards. Learn to detect, describe, and communicate olive oil quality with scientific rigor and practical insight — from common defects to rare cultivars and terroir expression.
KEY DETAILS
Join 360° Olive Oil Sommelier Advanced Certificate Program
Enrollment:
25
limited seats
Location:
Athens, Greece
(in-person, with pre-learning & immersive mill visit)
Tuition:
€2'800
(10% discount for certified olive oil sommeliers and erly birds)
INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC & APPLIED PRACTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Our Council of Experts
The IOON Council of Experts is a peer-nominated body that safeguards IOON’s scientific integrity, curriculum rigor, and neutrality. With leading academics and practitioners across sensory science, ISO-17025 laboratories, IOC-recognized panels, gastronomy, health, sustainability, and innovation, the Council ensures IOON programs remain evidence-led, independently reviewed, and IOC-aligned.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
Explore the IOON Ecosystem
Discover the network of accredited laboratories, IOC-recognized sensory panels, and experiential partners behind the 360° Olive Oil Sommelier Program.
IOON collaborates with scientific institutions, culinary experts, and regional hosts to bring olive oil excellence to life — from advanced sensory testing to in-the-field learning experiences.
Learn how our growing platform of labs, educators, chefs, and producers is shaping the future of quality, trust, and consumer connection.
