
Tomaso, after extensive experience in various companies as a Manager and Executive, and now as a consultant, driven by curiosity and a strong passion for this wonderful product, olive oil, decided to undertake a training program aimed at deepening his knowledge and refining his tasting technique. To do this, he turned to the world’s leading and most prestigious school of sensory analysis, the ONAOO. He initially enrolled in the Official Technical Course and obtained the Certificate of Physiological Suitability for Tasting in May 2018. Ever more fascinated and eager to learn, he enrolled in the Advanced Course. After two years of study focused on deepening his knowledge of tasting, in June 2021 he passed the exam and thus obtained the qualification of Professional Taster. Tomaso also regularly attends activities organized by the ONAOO.
He is therefore also registered in the National Register of Technicians and Experts of virgin and extra virgin olive oils.
Dino has been a Member of the Organization since 1989 and he is a Professional Taster since 1991. Dino is also a Member of the ONAOO Tasting Committee (Panel).
Emily Lycopolus is an olive oil sommelier, professional olive oil taster, and author. She holds a degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University, where she combined her love for science and discovery with a deep passion for food and flavors.
Additionally, she completed a master’s degree in cultural anthropology, transforming her kitchen into a space of exploration and learning. Her dedication to olive oil began in her husband’s family olive grove, an experience that marked the start of a career that now spans over 15 years. Emily has taught more than 500 culinary students and introduced numerous enthusiasts to the art of tasting and using olive oil. She is frequently consulted as an expert by retailers and food distributors for product category management, marketing strategies, and culinary pairings.
A faculty member at George Brown College, Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Emily is also the author of eight cookbooks, which have earned prestigious awards such as the Gourmand and Taste Canada Awards. Her books have been presented at the Nobel House in Sweden, further solidifying her esteemed reputation in the industry.
Thanks to her expert palate, Emily shares her passion for olive oil with consumers, producers, and serves as a judge in international olive oil competitions.
In Victoria, Canada, where she lives, she organizes private workshops, advanced courses, and guided tastings with the goal of educating both culinary professionals and retail experts on how to best utilize and promote this precious ingredient.
Eva Collini was born in Turin, a city linked to the automotive industry.
After working fifteen years as a quality engineer, she left her career to start a project related to extra virgin olive oil. She then enrolled in ONAOO for a technical course and an advanced course, becoming a professional taster in 2023. Meanwhile, Eva started her own project, the only oil shop in Piedmont: L’EVO di Eva.
A few years later, the oleoteca grew, helping to spread oil culture. You can buy high-quality, mainly Italian oils, and you can also buy various EVO-based products (food and cosmetics), as well as books and guides about olive oil. Eva is also on the National List of olive oil technicians and expert tasters at the Brescia Chamber of Commerce.
Nina is a dedicated olive oil nerd with a passion and mission to spread the knowledge about and access to high-quality EVOO in Denmark. She has been an ONAOO Professional Taster since 2022. Nina owns “Oliviers & Co.” in Denmark with her partner.
The business was established in 2019 after Nina had been working in the Copenhagen boutique shop on and off since 2006, next to her university studies. Nina disseminates knowledge about EVOO at the two “Oliviers & Co.” boutique shops in Copenhagen. Customers are guided and can sample the extensive range of olive oils from reputable producers with full traceability, along with other Mediterranean delicacies.
The shops are located in Frederiksberg and in the food market “TorvehallerneKBH”. She also teaches about olive oil at monthly olive oil tastings in the boutique and at events. Additionally, she oversees the online operations of the “Oliviers & Co.” web shop – oliviersogco.dk – and its associated social media channels, where she engages with consumers about olive oil. Nina holds a degree in Public Health and Food Policy from a university.
Tomaso, after extensive experience in various companies as a Manager and Executive, and now as a consultant, driven by curiosity and a strong passion for this wonderful product, olive oil, decided to undertake a training program aimed at deepening his knowledge and refining his tasting technique. To do this, he turned to the world’s leading and most prestigious school of sensory analysis, the ONAOO. He initially enrolled in the Official Technical Course and obtained the Certificate of Physiological Suitability for Tasting in May 2018.
Training as professional olive oil tasters is not only a personal pleasure: the universe that revolves around olive oil and its supply chain also offers a wide range of job, growth and specialization opportunities.
Participants who pass the four selective tests receive a Certificate of Physiological Suitability for Tasting.
DiscoverThe advanced course allows you to consolidate and deepen your knowledge of oil tasting and obtain the qualification of ONAOO Professional Taster, but above all, to be included in the "International Register of Professional Tasters".
Qualified national and international organizations and companies in the sector draw from the Register to find experts in the sector to include in their entrepreneurial realities
DiscoverParticipants learn about varieties, processing, and sensory tasting, with practical exercises under the guidance of experts.
Participants learn about varieties, processing, and sensory tasting, with practical exercises under the guidance of experts.
DiscoverTo learn how to taste an olive oil directly from your home.
A real experience to take the first steps in the world of the oil supply chain and oil tasters.
DiscoverParticipants are invited to recognize strengths, weaknesses, qualities and organoleptic characteristics of the various oils
A practical test in which everything learned during the technical course is applied in practice.
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