After four days of analyzing 910 olive oils from 27 countries, the winners of the fifth annual New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) were revealed.
For many European producers, this harvest season has been exceptionally challenging, leading to a large drop in global production. Despite the challenges faced, the NYIOOC saw more olive oil producers entering this year than any of the previous years.
This is the beginning of the sea change we have been waiting for. Producers in every region have answered our call and lifted their game. We are not here only to celebrate the winners of this competition, we’re here for a much bigger purpose — to recognize and applaud every producer who has set out to craft the best olive oil possible under whatever conditions you faced this time. – Curtis Cord, NYIOOC President
The NYIOOC panel of judges, comprised of 15 expert tasters from Tunisia, Australia, Japan, Spain, Greece, Italy, US, France, Argentina, and Turkey, meticulously blind- tasted all 910 oils — the largest international collection of olive oils ever assembled.
Italian olive oil brands took home the most awards for the third year in a row — 124 extra virgin olive oils from Italy received awards. Spain came in a close second, with 110 awards. 71 olive oils from the U.S. received recognition. Greek producers more than doubled their number of winners from last year with 47 awards. More olive oils from around the world were represented among the winners than ever before, from countries including Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Croatia, Uruguay, Morocco, Brazil, and China. Altogether, 463 brands were designated the world’s best, 149 more than last year.
Our very own local producer, from the Western Cape, Andante, was bestowed the prestigious silver award in this years competition.
The winning olive oils are sought-after by chefs, retailers and discerning consumers everywhere who value extra virgin olive oils of the very highest quality.
The full list of New York International Olive Oil Competition winners can be found on the official results website bestoliveoils.com, along with detailed information on all of the oils.
Enthusiasts and businesses can purchase the bottles on the Best New Olive Oils Marketplace portal, which connects producers, distributors, and customers. The winning brands will also be featured in the first annual “Guide to the World’s Best Olive Oils,” a printed guidebook that will be published in May.
Sources:
https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-basics/2017-nyiooc-signs-sea-change-waiting/56112
- London International Olive oil Competitions 2018 - December 15, 2017
- 3 Chocolate & Olive Oil Recipes For Heart Health - December 8, 2017
- 10 Awesome Local Olive Oil Packaging Designs - November 24, 2017