Ovibeja 2024 establishes Portugal as an olive oil powerhouse with multiple international awards

The 14th International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition - CA Ovibeja Award received around 100 samples from a dozen countries. The samples were evaluated by a jury of about three dozen tasters representing 10 countries, chaired by José Gouveia, a world expert in olive oils.

Of the award-winning olive oils, Portuguese olive oils won nine awards this year. Portugal, which also submitted the largest number of samples to the competition, distinguished itself especially in the categories Frutado Maduro and Frutado Verde Claro, with four awards in each.

Among the outstanding Ripe Fruity, Portugal won Gold and Silver, while the Bronze went to Masik Kibbutz Magal from Israel. Honourable mentions also went to Spain's Cortijo de Suerte Alta, S.L., Portugal's Cooperativa de Olivicultores de Valpaços, CRL, and Vidcavea - Azeites da Vidigueira, Lda.

In the Frutado Verde Ligeiro category, Portugal once again stood out, winning Gold and Silver, and Bronze went to 4C Azeites Unipessoal, Lda. Honourable mentions went to Masik Kibbutz Magal (Israel) and Esporão S.A. (Portugal).

In Medium Green Fruity, Gold went to Monini S.p.A. (Italy), Silver to Muela-Olives (Spain) and Bronze to Accademia Olearia (Italy). Honourable mentions also went to CARM - Casa Agrícola Roboredo Madeira (Portugal) and two other Spanish entries.

In Intense Green Fruity, Gold was awarded to an Italian producer, Silver to a Spanish producer and Bronze to Al Alma del Olivo, S.L. (Spain). Honourable mentions went to Almazaras de la Subbética, SCA Olivarera La Purísima (both Spain) and Terra Eno Olea (Croatia).

In the Southern Hemisphere category, Brazil shone with Essenza Agroecológica, Lda. winning Gold, and Vinícola Essenza Silver.

The award ceremony was held on 3 May during the 41st edition of Ovibeja, the prestigious agricultural fair of the Alentejo, in southern Portugal. It was the finishing touch to the conference ‘+ Olive Oil + Future’, organised by ACOS, which also coordinates the competition together with Casa do Azeite, with the exclusive sponsorship of Crédito Agrícola.