Spain's Top Olive Oils Shine at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition

As the results of the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition continue to roll out, Spanish olive oil producers are celebrating a stellar performance, highlighting the country's dedication to quality and excellence in the industry.

A Year of Challenges and Triumphs

The 2024/25 crop year has been marked by significant challenges, including excessive heat, drought, and unseasonable rainfall. Despite these hurdles, Spanish producers have managed to deliver exceptional quality olive oils. In Spain, olive oil production increased by more than 60 percent after consecutive years of historically poor harvests, making this year's awards particularly noteworthy[1].

Award-Winning Producers

Several Spanish producers have already been awarded at the 2025 NYIOOC. The competition, now in its thirteenth edition, is the world’s most prestigious olive oil quality contest, attracting entries from dozens of countries. On the first day of the results release, oils from Spain were among the 22 awarded from countries including Albania, Croatia, Italy, and the United States[1][2].

Notable Winners

• Las Valdesas: Located in the geographical center of Andalusia, Las Valdesas has been recognized for its high-quality extra virgin olive oils. Their oils, produced from five different varieties of olive trees (Arbequina, Frantoio, Hojiblanca, Picual, and Manzanilla), are cold-extracted and preserved in stainless steel tanks to prevent oxidation. This meticulous process has earned them several quality awards[4].

Benefits of Winning

Winning at the NYIOOC is more than just an accolade; it opens doors to global markets, enhances regional promotion, and motivates producers to continue improving their quality. For instance, Bianti Danaj of Donika Olive Oil in Albania, who won his first NYIOOC award in 2024 and a Gold Award this year, emphasizes the importance of investing in quality to achieve higher value for consumers and better health and environmental benefits[1].

Impact on Producers and Consumers

The recognition at the NYIOOC solidifies the quality of Spanish olive oils, making them more attractive to consumers worldwide. Producers like those at Las Valdesas and other award-winning farms in Spain can now market their products with the prestige of being certified by the best judges in the world. This not only boosts their sales but also reinforces the reputation of Spanish olive oil globally[1][4].

Looking Forward

As the full list of winners continues to be released throughout March, Spanish producers are eagerly anticipating further recognition. The NYIOOC results are syndicated through leading media outlets worldwide and featured in the Official Guide to the World’s Best Olive Oils and the Olive Oil Times World Rankings, ensuring that these exceptional olive oils receive the global attention they deserve[2].

For expats in Spain, this is an exciting time to explore and appreciate the rich variety and quality of Spanish olive oils, many of which are now celebrated on the international stage. Whether you are a seasoned food enthusiast or just discovering the nuances of olive oil, the 2025 NYIOOC awards are a testament to Spain's enduring commitment to producing some of the world's best olive oils.