IOC Opens the 2026 Mario Solinas Quality Award

The International Olive Council (IOC) invites producers, producer associations, and packagers of extra virgin olive oil from the Northern Hemisphere to submit their applications for the 2026 edition of the Mario Solinas Quality Award.

Created in 2000 in tribute to Professor Mario Solinas, a prominent advocate of sensory analysis of virgin olive oil, this international competition reflects the IOC’s commitment to promoting excellence in the olive oil sector. Its aim is to distinguish extra virgin olive oils with the best organoleptic characteristics, in accordance with IOC trade standards.

This edition is open to oils produced during the 2025/2026 crop year that meet the IOC requirements for the extra virgin category. Lots must be homogeneous and stored in sealed tanks within the participant’s country.

Who may participate

Small producers (lot ≥ 1,000 litres; annual production < 20,000 kg)
Large producers (lot ≥ 4,000 litres; annual production > 20,000 kg)
Packagers (lot ≥ 15,000 litres; annual packaged volume > 25,000 kg)
Each participant may submit only one sample in a single category.

Selection process

The oils are selected and scored by an international jury composed of heads of tasting panels recognised by the IOC. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the highest-scoring oils for their harmony, complexity, and balance. Finalists also receive a certificate of recognition.

Submission deadline: 17 February 2026

Participants must submit:

The completed application form
A notarised certificate attesting to the collection of the samples, the lot volume, category, location, and sealing of the tank
Chemical and sensory analysis certificates issued by laboratories and panels recognised by the IOC
Three sealed 500-mL samples and traceability documentation
A declaration of honour stating that the participant is not part of, nor owns, any other companies or legal entities that have submitted samples to the current competition
All documents and samples must reach the IOC Executive Secretariat in Madrid before the deadline. The full competition rules are available on the IOC website.

For more information, please write to iooc@internationaloliveoil.org.