From Culinary to Wellness: New Era of “Medicinal” Olive Oil with Health Claim

Press Release: February 28, 2025

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From Culinary to Wellness: New Era of “Medicinal” Olive Oil with Health Claim
Aristoleo Certification Revolutionizes the Olive Oil Industry for High Phenolic EVOO

TORONTO, ON. February 28th, 2025 – Artemis Alliance Inc. (est. 2005), the force behind the groundbreaking Aristoleo initiative, is proud to announce the launch of the Aristoleo Certification program, establishing a new gold standard for High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HP EVOO). This landmark certification gives consumers confidence in accessing the powerful health benefits of HP EVOO, officially validated by the European Union Health Claim 432-2012.

The certification arrives at a pivotal moment as public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launch initiatives challenging the health impacts of seed and soy oils, creating unprecedented consumer interest in healthier oil alternatives. Aristoleo's certification program provides a scientifically-backed solution amid this growing nutritional conversation.

The certification builds upon the comprehensive EU-funded ARISTOIL Interreg MED Program (2017-2020), a groundbreaking 3-year study across five countries that analyzed over 10,000 olive oil samples, positioning Aristoleo at the forefront of defining and regulating this emerging health and wellness category.

"We're elevating HP EVOO beyond its culinary appeal to recognize its true potential as a powerful health catalyst," says Marilyn Harding, Director of Artemis Alliance Inc. "The evidence is compelling and conclusive. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness, and consumers researching olive oil for specific health concerns or fitness goals deserve absolute certainty in their purchase."

HP EVOO contains rich concentrations of polyphenol, phenolic compounds—including oleocanthal, oleacein, ligstroside aglycone, and oleuropein aglycone—which are derivatives of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol released through specialized production methods. Extensive clinical and human trials have demonstrated significant potential in combating chronic conditions including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and various cancers. The EU health claim confirms these polyphenols protect blood lipids from oxidative stress, requiring a minimum of 5mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20g of olive oil.

With growing consumer awareness comes the challenge of market misinformation. The Aristoleo Certification addresses this directly by establishing a transparent, merit-based system that endorses producers, distributors, and retailers meeting stringent criteria—including best practices in cultivation, harvesting, production techniques, and crucial storage requirements.

"Similar to fine red wine, HP EVOO demands precise temperature control to preserve its valuable phenolic content," explains Athan Gadanidis, Marketing Director of Artemis Alliance Inc. "Our research demonstrates that storage between 12.5°-15°C (54°-59°F) is essential for maintaining phenolic potency. The Aristoleo Retail Cooler and Certification Protocol ensure consumers receive the highest quality product with intact health benefits."

The Aristoleo Certification is offered as a complimentary designation for Aristoleo Award winners who meet the ARISTOIL Program's rigorous standards, including laboratory-verified phenolic levels, sustainable cultivation methods, and proper storage conditions. This initiative also recognizes distributors and retailers who implement climate-controlled storage systems and demonstrate comprehensive understanding of HP EVOO's health benefits.

"This isn't merely olive oil; it's a medicinal food, as Hippocrates recognized 2,500 years ago," notes Gadanidis. "As influential voices raise concerns about industrial seed oils, our certification system empowers consumers to make informed health choices while encouraging producers to excel in this specialized market."

Aristoleo, a tradename under Artemis Alliance Inc., has led this movement since 2016 through the Aristoleo Awards—the only international competition dedicated exclusively to HP EVOO. The company continues to drive industry innovation and consumer education, ensuring this extraordinary product reaches its full potential in the health and wellness sector.

Aristoleo is pleased to recognize and certify High Phenolic EVOOs from Greece, Spain, Slovenia and Croatia and looks forward to including more with Aristoleo Awards – 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Key Highlights:
  • Aristoleo Certification: A rigorous new standard for High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ensuring uncompromised quality and marketplace transparency
  • EU Health Claim 432-2012: Scientific validation of HP EVOO's polyphenol health benefits
  • Timely Alternative: Positioned as a scientifically-validated alternative amid growing concerns about seed and soy oils
  • ARISTOIL Interreg MED Program: Comprehensive multi-country research establishing evidence-based best practices for HP EVOO production
  • Temperature-Controlled Storage: Critical specifications for preserving the phenolic potency of HP EVOO
  • Merit-Based Endorsement: Comprehensive and transparent profiles for qualified producers, distributors, and retailers

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