Temperature
Ideal 14–18 °C. Above 25 °C accelerates oxidation. Never store near heating equipment or in un-insulated container yards during summer.
Storage & shelf life
Extra virgin olive oil shelf life and storage: warehouse and shelf rules
EVOO does not spoil like dairy — it fades. Buyers who treat storage as an afterthought lose polyphenols, sensory score and shelf reputation. Here is the discipline that keeps 18-month stock tasting like 3-month stock.
Light
UV destroys chlorophyll and polyphenols. Dark green Marasca glass, tinted PET or steel drums are non-negotiable for shelf life > 12 months.
Oxygen headspace
Filled bottles should sit with a nitrogen or inert-gas flush headspace to slow peroxide formation. Bulk drums and IBCs benefit from nitrogen blanket refills after each draw.
Retail shelf life
18–24 months best-before from bottling under EU rules. Category managers usually want a minimum of 12 months remaining shelf life at retail receiving dock.
Rotation
FIFO in the warehouse, first-mile in the delivery run. Sensory recheck at 15 months; declassify to cooking-only if defects appear.
Talk to our B2B team
Certified samples, lot documentation and container quotes within one business day.
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