Gaea Kritsa Extra Virgin Olive Oil (RH Amar)
Launched: March 2011
The Kritsa co-operative produces olive oil in one of Greece's oldest olive groves, cold-pressing the olives within three hours of harvesting. This month, the oil took first place at the Mario Solinas international quality contest for extra virgin olive oil, where it was voted the best olive oil in the world. It also won the Gold Award in the 'medium fruitiness' category at the Greek Olive Oil Exhibition in April.

Distributed by Greek fine food specialist GAEA and imported into the UK by RH Amar, each 500ml bottle is numbered and carries an rsp of £5.49. GAEA has also won green plaudits and claims it is the first carbon-neutral olive oil producer in the world, following accreditation from Swiss organisation myclimate. Along with oils, the brand also produces cooking sauces, olives and Greek specialities such as flame-roasted red peppers.

Mellow Yellow Balsamic Vinegar Dressing (Farrington's)
Launched: March 2011
Farrington's has used Suffolk cider maker Aspall's British Apple Balsamic Vinegar in this new dressing, which features a punch of garlic balanced with basil. With the inherent benefits of lower saturated fat, omega 3 and vitamin E in cold pressed rapeseed oil, the dressing is a healthy option too. Rsp: £3.25.

Frylight Stir-Fry Oil Spray (MH Foods)
Launched: March 2010
Capitalising on the popularity of oriental food and the healthier perception of stir-fries, MH Foods has launched Stir-Fry Oil Spray, a blend of oil, soya sauce and oriental flavours including ginger, sesame and garlic. A single calorie per portion, and stocked by Tesco, the spray contains oil and sauce. It retails at £2.39 for 250ml. 

Cotswold Gold Infusions (Cotswold Gold)
Launched: December 2010
Cotswold Gold has just extended its range of rapeseed oils with eight new infusions in Garlic, Lemon, Chilli, Rosemary, Smoked, Basil, Cumin and Dill flavours. The range is available in three-packs, priced at £8.95, and six-packs, priced at £14.95, each containing a selection of the new flavours.

Focus On Oils