Producing high-quality olive oil that is accessible to the largest number of people

A man holds an olive branch in his right hand and olives in his left. He is standing in an olive grove. You can see olive oil being pressed, flowing out of the mill. Its color is bright green.
2021

Alexis Muñoz

August 27, 2021

This is our mission. For Alexis Muñoz, olive oil is not just a condiment; it is a product of excellence, a true ingredient that serves gastronomy. Producing quality for the pleasure of the senses, while respecting the consumer and what nature has to offer.

Olive Oil: Our Profession, Our Passion


Alexis Muñoz, a certified oleologist and producer of monovarietal olive oils, is highly demanding in his work, always in search of exceptional organoleptic qualities. Through his journey across the Mediterranean basin, he has developed his expertise and vision of agriculture. To him, olive oil can truly elevate dishes, but unfortunately, the quality of many products on the market rarely meets expectations. This is why his mission is to produce excellence while keeping it accessible to all. Alexis is dedicated to defending what makes olive oil of high quality and values traceability and transparency in every step of production.

The Olive Oil Market: How to Navigate It?


The olive oil market is opaque. Recent news highlights repeated frauds, leaving consumers confused. So, how can the average consumer make the right choices and access truly quality products?


What exactly do we mean by "quality"?


On the international level, the sale of olive oil is regulated and controlled by the International Olive Council, which classifies olive oils into three categories:
•    Extra Virgin: This oil must have an acidity level lower than 0.8% and must also meet specific organoleptic (taste and aroma) qualities.
•    Virgin: Slight defects in taste are allowed, and the acidity level can go up to 2%.
•    Lampante: This oil is unfit for consumption and is only used for industrial purposes.

Olive Oil Quality and the Profitability Race


UFC-Que Choisir, a consumer rights group, conducted an extensive study on 26 extra virgin olive oils. 16 of them were downgraded to virgin or lampante. Whether it's fraud or negligence, the result is the same: consumers are misled about the quality of the product. They will neither experience the promised flavors nor receive the expected nutritional benefits, even if the price is high.
The race for profitability largely explains these issues. The price range of olive oil varies widely—from 5 euros to several dozen euros per liter. Extra virgin olive oil generally has a higher production cost due to stricter quality control requirements. Olive oil is a delicate product, which oxidizes when exposed to light or heat, further increasing production costs.

Our Commitments and Methods to Guarantee Quality Olive Oil


For Alexis Muñoz, quality is worked on throughout the entire production chain. It is the guiding principle for every step of our process.

Selecting the Right Olive Variety and Maturity:

Alexis Muñoz’s vision of quality begins with choosing the right olive variety and its precise stage of maturity. A monovarietal oil—made from a single type of olive—allows the unique characteristics of the fruit to shine through. Every variety brings its own array of aromas and flavors. Each must be harvested at the exact right moment, when it reaches its peak maturity. Only then will it deliver the best organoleptic characteristics, which are also influenced by climatic conditions.
•    Introducing the Concept of Vintage: Alexis Muñoz introduces the notion of "vintage," meaning that the taste is not artificially recreated by blending different oils. Every year brings a unique harvest, a new flavor profile.

An Exacting Standard, From Harvest to Bottling


Our work does not stop at selecting the moment to harvest. The olives are promptly taken to a nearby mill and pressed within hours of being picked. During the production process, they are kept out of the light to preserve all of their natural properties. The resulting liquid gold is then bottled in opaque containers to protect it from oxidation. The raw material is also maintained at a low temperature—well below the maximum allowed in order to preserve the oil’s optimal quality.

Quality, Taste, and Flavors!
We don't reserve quality just for Michelin-star chefs. Our mission is to make premium olive oil accessible to everyone, while fighting fraud and deception in the market. We want to offer consumers an informed choice, allowing them to enjoy a product of excellence.
You can find Alexis Muñoz Olive Oils in stores near you or directly on our online shop.

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