Madrid PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oils Strengthen Their Global Reputation with 36 Awards

Since the European Union granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status to Madrid Olive Oils in April 2023, the Community of Madrid has received 36 national and international awards recognising the quality of its extra virgin olive oils. A review has been carried out to assess the achievements and recognition obtained under the PDO, highlighting the value of these products produced across the region.

During the 2023–2024 season, Ó de Óleum Laguna received two awards. In the 2024–2025 campaign, a total of 20 awards were won, including three for Molino de Titulcia and another three for Alma de Laguna. In addition, last year the regional government received the 2025 Excellence Award at the World Olive Oil Exhibition (WOOE), held in Madrid, in recognition of the region’s strategic importance for the Madrid PDO and its extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs).

So far in the current season, Madrid PDO olive oils have earned 14 distinctions—five gold medals, five silver medals, three bronze medals and one honourable mention. These awards have been shared among five of the 13 olive mills currently certified under the PDO, which together market 15 brands. The winners were Óleum Laguna, with five awards; Recespaña, with four; Aceitera de la Abuela and Aceites Posito, with two each; and Santo Cristo, with one.

The olive oil samples are submitted anonymously to national and international competitions, where they are evaluated through blind tastings conducted by expert judging panels. The competitions include the Athena International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition in Greece, the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition in the United States, the Paris Quality Awards in France, the International Olive Oil Competition (IOOC) in China, and the Olio Award organised by Feinschmecker magazine in Germany.

Products with Unique Flavour and Aromatic Intensity

Madrid PDO olive oils are distinguished by their unique flavour and aromatic intensity, characteristics that stem primarily from the Cornicabra, Castellana, and Manzanilla Cacereña olive varieties, complemented by smaller proportions of Carrasqueña, Gordal, Asperilla, and Redondilla.

In May, the regional government also introduced a new decree establishing specific measures to guarantee the traceability of olives, strengthen food safety, and prevent fraudulent practices.

Since 2019, the regional government has increased the area devoted to olive cultivation by almost 2%, from 29,425 hectares to 29,974 hectares in 2025. Of this total, around 20,000 hectares are dedicated to the Madrid Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Olive Oil.