Northern Hemisphere 2026

Mathilde LAURENT

CARTIER, Perfumer and Creative Director, Paris, France

Mathilde Laurent is Perfumer and Creative Director at Cartier, a position she has held since 2005.
Recognised internationally for her rigorous and visionary approach to olfaction, she has contributed to positioning contemporary perfumery at the intersection of art, culture and sensory excellence, in continuity with the heritage and creative ambition of the Maison.

Chef Eugénie BÉZIAT – President of the competition

L’Espadon, RITZ Paris, Chef 1 Michelin Star, Paris, France

By skilfully blending the reminiscences of her African childhood with the Mediterranean influences of her culinary career, Eugénie Béziat offers new credentials to raw materials through her innovative and playful approach at L’Espadon restaurant at the Ritz Paris hotel.

By weaving together the memories of her African childhood with the Mediterranean influences that have shaped her culinary journey, Eugénie Béziat brings fresh credentials to raw ingredients through her innovative and playful cuisine at L’Espadon restaurant, Ritz Paris. Now serving as President of the Southern Hemisphere edition of OLIO NUOVO DAYS, she will be more than ready to chair the upcoming Northern Hemisphere competition.

Mathilde ROELLINGER

EPICES ROELLINGER, Cancale, Brittany, France

Mathilde Roellinger selects spices, herbs and aromatics from which she creates her blends, continuing the work initiated by her father, Olivier Roellinger, chef and founder of Épices Roellinger in Cancale, Brittany.

She is the author of several books in the Dix façons de préparer collection published by Éditions de l’Épure, and more recently of Boire les épices published by Éditions Ulmer.

Florian GUILLOTEAU

RITZ Paris, Director of Sommellerie- President of Nice-Côte d’Azur-Provence Sommelier Association, Paris, France

Director of Sommellerie at the Ritz Paris and President of the Nice–Côte d’Azur–Provence Sommelier Association. A leading voice in the world of wine and gastronomy,  Florian GUILLOTEAU combines deep expertise with a commitment to promoting excellence and sharing knowledge.

Suzy LE HELLEY

SYMRISE, Perfumer, Paris, France

Suzy Le Helley is a perfumer trained at ISIPCA and the Symrise Perfumery School, where she is now based as a perfumer.
Her work is recognised for its precision, balance and contemporary sensibility, with creations for major international houses and niche fragrance brands, reflecting a refined mastery of olfactory composition.

Benjamin STRAGLIATI

RITZ Paris, Sous-Chef, Paris, France

Benjamin Stragliati is Sous-Chef at Ritz Paris, working alongside Chef Eugénie Béziat at Espadon.
His cuisine reflects a rigorous approach to ingredients, precision in execution and a strong sensitivity to vegetal expression, placing taste, balance and seasonality at the heart of his culinary work.

Marlène STAIGER

Independant Master Blender & Creative Director, Paris, France

Taste designer and creative director, Marlène Staiger has spent more than fifteen years exploring the meeting point between flavour and fragrance. Co-founder of the poetic liqueur brand H.Theoria, she developed its recipes, blends and sensory rituals, approaching liqueurs much like perfumes.

Today, through her studio Poetic Molecules, she collaborates with spirits houses, chefs, designers and perfumers to craft sensory experiences where taste becomes a language, and every blend carries a clear signature and intention.

François-Xavier DELMAS

PALAIS DES THÉS, Fondateur – Président, Paris, France

François-Xavier Delmas, Founder of Palais des Thés – is joining the jury of Olio Nuovo Days. With decades spent travelling the world to source rare, terroir-driven teas and a deep intimacy with growers and origins, his refined sensibility and passion for taste, terroir and authenticity bring a fresh and complementary perspective to the jury’s sensory panel.

Instagram François-Xavier Delmas

Palais des Thés

Marc-Antoine CORTICCHIATO

PARFUM D’EMPIRE, Founder and Managing Director, Paris, , France

Marc-Antoine Corticchiato holds a PhD in analytical chemistry, with a specialization in the study of aromatic plants, and is a graduate of ISIPCA. He is the perfumer and managing director of Parfum d’Empire, the house he founded in 2003.

An independent creator with a deep passion for natural raw materials, he has received several awards from the Fragrance Foundationand the Accademia del Profumo, for fragrances created both for his own house and for other brands.

Sarah BOUASSE

Journalist, specialist in perfume and olfactory culture, Paris, , France

Journalist,specialist in perfume and olfactory culture

Sarah Bouasse is a journalist, author and translator specializing in perfume and olfactory culture. She writes regularly for NEZ, the olfactory magazine, where she served as deputy editor-in-chief for four years.

In 2024, she published Par le bout du nez, une histoire intime des odeurs (Calmann-Lévy), exploring the intimate and cultural dimensions of smell. She also coordinated Manuel d’éveil olfactif pour petits et grands (Éditions NEZ), a pioneering work dedicated to the transmission of olfactory awareness.

Committed to restoring olfaction to its rightful place in our relationship with the world, she brings to the jury a sensitive and deeply cultural perspective on taste and perception.

Kostas LIRIS, President of the jury and Panel Leader

Agronomist, Olive oil consultant and Miller, Kalamata, Greece

Kostas Liris, agronomist and miller based in Kalamata, Greece, is a renowned teacher of oleology who shares his expertise worldwide — from Paris to London, and from New York to San Francisco. A respected tasting panel leader, he also serves as a jury member at major international competitions in cities such as New York, Tokyo, Athens, and Hamburg.

Nicolangelo MARSICANI, Panel leader

Frantoio Marsicani, Master Miller, Campania, Italy

Gabriel LEPOUSEZ PhD

INSTITUT PASTEUR, Perception & Memory lab, Department of Neurosciences, Paris, France

Gabriel Lepousez is a French neuroscientist and international expert on the brain circuits that govern sensory perception, memory, emotions, and brain–body communication. Beyond his research, he shares his deep knowledge of how the brain engages during wine and food tasting with both professionals and enthusiasts. He contributes to academic courses, international conferences, wine education programs, and specialized publications. Gabriel also serves on the tasting committee of La Revue du Vin de France and is a member of both the Académie du Vin de France and the Académie Amorim.

 Christophe LAVELLE PhD

CNRS, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, Paris, France

Christophe Lavelle is a biophysicist, researcher at the CNRS (the French center for scientific research) and co-founder of the Food 2.0 LAB. Passionate about food and the relationship between art and science, he teaches in many institutions such as the universities of Paris VI, Paris VII, Cergy-Pontoise, Aix-Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, SupBioTech Paris and Le Cordon Bleu Paris. Lavelle will be the scientific support to Olio Nuovo Days jury members.

Alexandra PARIS

FRANCE OLIVE, Head of communication and promotion office, Nyons, France

Alexandra is one of the most influent French women in olive oil. Head of communication of the French interprofessional organisation FRANCE OLIVE, she is in charge of the promotion and also of all the regulations on the French and European market. Born in Provence, she was raised in the tradition of extra olive oil. Due to her professional activity she is aware of all the news and trends, she is also a professional olive oil taster.

Aida LAZZEZ

Researcher, Phd, Olive Oil consultant, Tunisia

Olive-oil researcher and chemist based at the Olive Tree Institute in Sfax, Tunisia. Dr Lazzez brings advanced expertise in quality improvement and authentication of extra virgin olive oil. She is jury member in International Olive Oil Competitions.

Mirella ŽANETIC, PhD

Olive Oil Expert & VOO Sensory Panel Leader, Croatia

With over 25 years dedicated to the sensory analysis of virgin olive oil (VOO), Mirella Žanetić holds an IOC diploma for tasting VOO and table olives. Based at the Institute for Adriatic Cultures in Split (Croatia), she leads VOO quality-control analyses and serves as a seasoned judge in numerous national and international competitions.

Her work focuses on the authenticity and quality of VOO from autochthonous cultivars, particularly bioactive and volatile compounds that define health benefits and organoleptic character. She also shares her expertise through tastings, seminars and workshops for producers, consumers, teachers and students alike.

Alexis SCHULTZ

EPICES ET TOUT Founder and general manager, Houdan, France

Alexis Schultz is the founder of Épice et Tout in Houdan, a specialty store dedicated to high-quality spices, olive oils, and fine artisanal products.
With a strong sensory and product-driven approach, he bridges terroir, craftsmanship, and everyday culinary use, bringing a grounded and discerning perspective to the Olio Nuovo Days jury.

Valentine MANUEL

Perfume Expert, Paris, France

Trained as a perfumer, is passionate about the olfactory and sensory realms.

For over ten years, Valentine has blended sensitivity and creativity to conceive olfactory experiences — from curated scent projects to perfume-making workshops — that awaken the senses, surprise and inspire.

She also joined the team behind the very first tastings organised by Olio Nuovo Days a decade ago, helping to introduce consumers to olive oil through a perfume-inspired approach, thus helping to restore to olive oil the dignity and noble status it deserved.

Cécile LE GALLIARD

Olive Oil Expert and Trainer, Toulouse, France

French olive oil expert, web journalist, and consultant specializing in extra virgin olive oil. After studying communication, she trained in sensory analysis at the University of Jaén, supported by the International Olive Council. She is the founder of Jus d’Olive, a widely read blog dedicated to olive oil culture, and works on projects ranging from oil cellar design to tastings, trainings, and international juries. She also plays a key role in LHOVE, the French network of olive oil professionals, where she contributes to knowledge-sharing and promoting excellence.

@cecilelegalliard

Hirac GURDEN

CNRS, Research Director in neuroscience, Paris, France

Research Director in neuroscience at CNRS and lecturer in neuroscience at Paris Cité University. Gurden’s work explores how the brain represents odors and examines interactions between olfaction and eating behaviours. An olfactory-rehabilitation protocol was developed in collaboration with the association Anosmie.org. Guest on major media outlets such as TMC, Arte, France Inter, and RFI to discuss advances in the science of smell and the brain. Author of Smelling: How Odors Affect Our Brain (Les Arènes) and co-author of The Great Book of Perfume (Nez).

Philippe COHEN SOLAL

¡Ya Basta! Records – Musician and olive oil lover, Paris, France

French musician Philippe Cohen Solal is the founder, main producer and composer of The Gotan Project; he has established himself as a pioneer of electronic music, blending cultures and rhythms with a distinctive, narrative sensibility.
His work now extends into immersive creation, notably with a virtual reality project inspired by the work of Henri Darger, as well as playlists created from olive oil tastings from each hemisphere—Northern and Southern—where the character of the oils informs a subtle and evocative musical journey.

Octave DE GAULLE, President of the competition

SPADE, Paris, France

Octave de Gaulle is a product designer and founder of SPADE, working at the intersection of design, culture and space exploration. His work explores how objects can sustain rituals, symbols and sensory experience in constrained and demanding environments.

Philippine DARBLAY

Journalist, TV presenter and radio columnist, Paris, France

Philippine Darblay is a journalist, TV host and radio contributor exploring food, lifestyle and contemporary culture. She shares her perspective on emerging trends, from hidden culinary gems to the creative worlds behind them.

@philoudarblay 

Tom KAN

Director, photographer & graphic designer, Paris, France

Tom Kan is a Japanese director, photographer and graphic designer based in Paris, known for his iconic film title sequences. His work explores the intersection of motion, typography and visual intensity, shaping some of the most memorable openings in contemporary cinema.

@tomkandesign

Iris DESCHAMPS COUREAU

inPractice Studio, co-founder, Paris, France

Iris Deschamps Courau is a French art director working across image, photography and digital content. Her work spans visual campaigns and brand direction, with a strong focus on image and storytelling.

@inpracticestudio

Yorgo TLOUPAS

Creative Director, Paris, France

Yorgo Tloupas is a creative director and logotype expert working across luxury, culture and media.

His work spans visual identities, publishing and brand direction, shaping some of the most distinctive contemporary brand languages.

Margaux BALSAN

Film producer, Paris, France

Margaux Balsan is a film producer working across feature films and television. Her work reflects a nuanced understanding of narrative and artistic direction.Through her work, Margaux brings a nuanced understanding of narrative and artistic direction.

@margauxbalsan

Stéphane PELLETIER

Master glass-maker, Grand-Est region, France

Stéphane Pelletier is a French glassmaker and founder of Atelier Gamil, working across blown, cast and thermoformed glass.He collaborates with artists and designers to translate complex ideas into material, from unique pieces to small series.

Atelier Gamil is located in the Grand-Est region, between Reims and Nancy.

Clément JOHANET

inPractice Studio, co-founder, Paris, France

Clément Johanet is an art director, graphic designer and co-founder of inPractice Studio. His work is defined by a rigorous and sensitive approach, in pursuit of precise and timeless aesthetics.

@inpracticestudio

Kenza MESKINI

Industrial designer and painter, Olive Oil producer, Meknes, Morocco & Paris, France

Kenza MESKINI is an industrial designer and painter based in Paris, and founder of Meknès Olive Oil. Her work bridges design and agriculture, contributing to the development of extra virgin olive oil in her native region.

Charlie ZEHNLÉ

Industrial designer.

Charlie Zehnlé is an industrial designer. He leads projects at SPADE, an agency specialising in the design and development of objects and systems for space exploration. A graduate of ENSCI les Ateliers, he co-founded the Millimètre agency and has orchestrated numerous projects involving immersive scenography, furniture, fittings and interactive art installations. He enjoys bringing together the high technical demands inherent in complex environments with formal exploration and reflection on usage.”

Sophie CURE

Artist & graphic designer, Paris, France

Sophie Cure explores language as a living material to play with. A graphic designer and artist, she creates visual systems and graphic objects that invite us to read, play and see things differently.

Alexandre ECHASSERIEAU

Designer, Crafter Studio, Paris, France

Alexandre Echasserieau is a multidisciplinary designer and founder of Crafter Studio. His work spans industries and scales, combining technical development, material research and a cross-disciplinary approach to design.

Manuel João VERISSIMO DA COSTA LEITE

TEAM PORTUGAL, Condeixa-a-Velha, Coimbra

First time in our jury for Manuel João VERISSIMO DA COSTA LEITE born 28.07.2015

Coached by Marije VAN DEN BOOGAARD – PASSEITE

Matilda SLEEUW PASSOS DA COSTA

TEAM PORTUGAL, Condeixa-a-Velha, Coimbra

Second participation for Matilda born on January 25, 2016

She is coached by her mother, olive oil producer and olive oil Marije VAN DEN BOOGAARD – PASSEITE

Laszlo PERROTIN

TEAM FRANCE

Second time with the OLIVE KIDS AWARDS for Laszlo born on March 19, 2017.

Laszlo loves to blend olive oil, he is coached by her mother, the socialite Lorena Vergani who loves to gather people and trends.

Lourenço Maria LOPES

TEAM PORTUGAL, Condeixa-a-Velha, Coimbra

First participation for Lourenço Maria LOPES, born June 11, 2011

Coached by Marije VAN DEN BOOGAARD – PASSEITE

Braulio PEREIRA

TEAM PORTUGAL, Condeixa-a-Velha, Coimbra

Second participation for Braulio born on May 24, 2013.

As you can see on that picture, he is working very seriously – as all our jury member- to score his samples on OLIVE KIDS AWARDS tasting notebook.

Braulio is coached by Marije VAN DEN BOOGAARD – PASSEITE olive oil producer

Rita EL GUERRAB

TEAM FRANCE, Paris

Second participation for Rita born on May, 5, 2012.

Her big brother Issa is also in the jury.

Kids are very serious when it comes to taste and score.

Rita is coached by her mother Yasmine SEGHIRATE EL GUERRAB.

Odisseas MAVRANEZOULIS

TEAM GREECE, Messinia

3rd participation for Odisseas born on January 1, 2012.

Odisseas and his bother Iasonas are coached by their father Achilleas MAVRANEZOULIS and mother Evgenia ANDRIOPOULOU, olive oil producers with MAKARIA TERRA.

Iasonas MAVRANEZOULIS

TEAM GREECE, Messinia

3rd participation for Iasonas born on June 14, 2016.

Iasonas and his bother Odisseas are coached by their father Achilleas MAVRANEZOULIS and mother Evgenia ANDRIOPOULOU, olive oil producers with MAKARIA TERRA.

Roch PÂRIS

TEAM SPAIN, Madrid

2 nd participation for Roch born on March, 18, 2014

His little sister Mathilde will join him for this new edition

Coached by his father Tanguy PÂRIS.

Mathilde PÂRIS

TEAM SPAIN, Madrid