The virgin olive oil sold nowadays in Greece is divided depending on its characteristics into three basic quality categories, following the standards of the International Olive Oil Council:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is the pure olive oil of excellent flavour and odour, and acidity <0,8%. It is obtained from the olive tree fruit solely by mechanical or other physical means under conditions, including thermal conditions that do not lead to alterations in the oil. It is a real «natural juice» containing all its beneficial components and qualities.
- Virgin Olive Oil. It is a natural olive oil of reasonably good flavour and odour, and acidity <2%.
- Olive Oil. It has a reasonably good flavour and odour, light yellow/green colour and acidity <3,3%