News Briefs
Renowned experts will lead a five-day course on olive oil in London from January 20 – 24, covering topics such as sensory assessment, production, health benefits, and advanced tasting techniques. The program, developed by Curtis Cord and the late Dorothy Cann Hamilton, is open to professionals from various fields and has been completed by nearly 500 individuals who have gone on to launch educational initiatives and author books on olive oil.
Renowned experts will lead participants on a journey through the world of olive oil in the Olive Oil Times Education Lab’s Sommelier Certificate Program, returning to London.
The course will convene January 20 – 24 at the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) in Bloomsbury, adjacent to the University of London campus.
The five-day course includes olive oil sensory assessment, production and milling, health and nutrition, culinary applications, farming best practices, quality assurance and advanced tasting techniques.
The program director, Curtis Cord, said students were in store for an unrivaled educational experience designed to foster a deep understanding of olive oil quality and appreciation. Cord developed the program with the late Dorothy Cann Hamilton, founder of the International Culinary Center.
While students of the sommelier program have included diverse professionals such as producers, marketers, importers, merchants, food buyers, quality-control managers, chefs, journalists, and lawyers, Cord said the program is designed for everyone concerned with olive oil quality. There are no prerequisites for the course.

Nearly 500 have completed the acclaimed program, joining a growing international network of experts and educators. Many have gone on to launch educational initiatives, author books, provide consulting services and develop programs to foster a greater understanding of matters relating to olive oil quality, culture and usage.
Enrollment for the London program is open on the Olive Oil Times Education Lab website.
More articles on: education, olive oil quality, Olive Oil Sommelier
May. 31, 2025
37 Complete Olive Oil Times Sommelier Program in New York
Thirty-seven professionals completed the five-day Olive Oil Times Sommelier Certification Course in Manhattan, mastering sensory analysis, production best practices, health benefits, and more.
Feb. 2, 2026
Global Olive Oil Quality Takes Center Stage as 2026 NYIOOC Results Begin
With results from the 2026 NYIOOC starting to roll out earlier than usual, the global olive oil sector is watching closely as award-winning producers gain valuable recognition at a critical point in the commercial season.
Aug. 7, 2025
Global Experts, Top Producers to Gather at International Symposium in Postira, Croatia
Postira will host the International Symposium on Olive Oils of Croatia and the Adriatic Coast, showcasing the region's excellence in olive oil production.
Mar. 4, 2025
2025 World Olive Oil Competition Results Begin to Roll Out
Northern Hemisphere olive oil producers are tracking the ongoing rollout of the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition results.
May. 20, 2025
Turkish Producers Champion Native Varieties at World Competition
Turkish producers combined to win 30 of the industry's most coveted quality awards from local olive varieties including Ayvalik, Domat, Edremit, Gemlik, Memecik, Tekir and Trilye.
Oct. 15, 2025
Madrid Region Bans Solar Panels on Agricultural Land
Local authorities said the ban is necessary to protect olive and vine cultivation and comes as part of a wider effort to add value to local olive oil production.
Nov. 17, 2025
Canadian Company Brings New Recognition to Cretan Olive Oils
Panagiotis Tsiriotakis returned to his roots, founding Acropolis Organics and bringing global recognition to his Cretan extra virgin olive oils.
Oct. 20, 2025
Turkey's Table Olive Exports Reach Record High
In the 2024/25 crop year, Turkey's table olive exports reached a record high of $255 million, with green olive exports showing the largest increase.