Lori Jean Levy to Lead the USI Olive Oil Competition Trade Buyer Panel
The US International Olive Oil Competition (USIOOC) is proud to announce that Lori Jean Levy, Founder of Portfolio, will be leading our exclusive Trade Buyer-Only judging panel.
In an industry often dominated by technical or academic scores, the USIOOC is shifting the focus toward the people who drive the market. This panel isn't just composed of tasters; it is composed of decision-makers. These International Trade Buyers are the importers, retailers, distributors, and chefs who buy olive oil for a living. They are the gatekeepers to the shelves and kitchens where your products belong.
Meet the Chair: Lori Jean Levy
Lori Jean Levy brings a "source to shelf" perspective that is virtually unmatched in the industry. As the Founder of Portfolio, she has built a curated platform dedicated to discovering and elevating exceptional extra virgin olive oils from small, quality-driven producers.
Her expertise is full spectrum:
- A certified olive oil sommelier capable of deep sensory evaluation.
- A licensed U.S. Customs Broker with a background in customs law, ensuring she understands the complexities of global trade.
- A recognized thought leader who has moderated international panels at the World Olive Oil Exhibition in Madrid.
- An active advocate for the culinary community, serving on the Board of Slow Food Atlanta and as a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
Why a Trade Buyer Panel Matters
When these experts blind-taste your olive oils, they aren't just looking for the absence of defects—they are looking for marketability, soul, and culinary application.
Lori’s work has always been about bringing together the grove, the maker, and the table. By serving as Chair of the USIOOC, she ensures that the oils awarded are not only technically superior but are also the oils that professionals actually want to buy, stock, and serve.
