Since 2023, the Olive Oil Institute has been working closely with Next Generation Sensors on the development of an innovative portable olive oil screener: SPOTDETECT.

This collaboration is built on a strong scientific and sensory foundation. Together with our expert tasting panel, we have evaluated thousands of olive oils, systematically linking sensory assessments to chemical data. This extensive dataset forms the backbone of the instrument’s analytical intelligence.

A key milestone in the project was an intensive working week in Jaén, Spain — at the heart of global olive oil production. There, we assessed hundreds of olive oils directly at the source. Oils were examined both sensorically and chemically, enabling us to capture real-world variability under authentic production conditions.

By combining sensory science, analytical chemistry, and advanced sensor technology, SPOTDETECT represents a new step forward in olive oil quality control. We are proud to advance this project together with Next Generation Sensors and to share more background on this unique instrument.

Defects in olive oil have a significant impact on its sensory quality, consumer acceptance and market classification.

Defects normally occur due to fermentation processes like fusty, musty and wine-like flavours. Additionally, oxidation issues cause greasy and rancid notes.

Both fermentation and oxidation can happen at various stages. From harvesting and milling to extraction and storage. However, both problems can be prevented to a minimum with the right monitoring, hygienic processing practices, a controlled storage environment and correct bottling.

The SPOTDETECT, developed by Next Generation Sensors in cooperation with the Olive Oil Institute, can detect fermentation and oxidation at any stage of the olive oil logistics chain.

The portable device operates by analysing volatile defect markers that arise primarily from anaerobic and aerobic fermentation and oxidation processes. These marks correlate strongly to sensory defects recognised by the International Olvie Council standards (IOC Standard COI/T.20/Doc No 15 Rev. 10, 2018)

SPOTDETECT is designed for quick and accurate, easy detection in olive oil. Unlike traditional sensory panels or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), SPOTDETECT is fully automated, easy to use, and requires minimal analytical expertise.

Users can expect clear, actionable results indicating whether their olive oil meets the Extra Virgin Olive Oil standard, along with the identification of fermentation or oxidation defects.

Fast analysis time: results delivered within approximately 15 minutes per sample.

No manual calibration required: ready to use.

Autosampler: handles up to 20 samples per batch.

Portable and compact: the entire system is approximately the size of a desktop computer, requiring no carrier gas. System reboot and readiness take less than 20 minutes after relocation.

Automated interpretation: utilises chemometrics and advanced machine learning algorithms to ensure accurate, consistent identification of defects.

User-friendly interface: results are presented visually, with coloured indicators clearly displaying oil quality (Extra Virgin or Not Extra Virgin) and highlighting whether there is the presence of any fermentation or oxidation defects.

Faster time-to-market: Avoid waiting multiple days or weeks for external sensory panel results by screening batches in-house within minutes.

Lower analysis costs: Reduce the number of samples sent to official panels by pre-screening and selecting only the most promising batches.

Minimised product waste through smarter blending: Detect and classify batches early to make informed blending decisions and avoid downgrading large volumes to Virgin olive oil or Lampante.

Become an innovation partner: Support your customers with objective, reproducible data on olive oil quality – adding value beyond the product itself.

Trace and prevent defects across harvests: Identify which stages in your process are causing defects and adjust harvesting, storage, or processing practices for future campaigns.

Strengthen your quality reputation: Demonstrate a commitment to consistent, high-quality oils with an advanced in-house screening tool.

Provides insight into batch quality: SPOTDETECT screens your oils before shipping or blending to ensure consistency and avoid surprises.

Reduces the risk of rejection: Identify potential issues early and minimize the chance of costly rejections by official sensory panels.

Puts you in control: Gain in-house quality control without having to rely on third-party labs.

SPOTDETECT’s software interface provides intuitive, easy-to-understand feedback, enabling users to quickly assess olive oil quality and make informed decisions based on reliable analytical data.