In a sea of challenging news for the olive oil industry, something truly remarkable has emerged from New York: Croatian olive oils have swept the 2026 New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), outperforming even Italy in one of the world's most prestigious olive oil competitions.
Record-Breaking Results
Croatian producers secured an impressive 63 awards at this year's NYIOOC—52 Gold and 11 Silver medals. This achievement places Croatia ahead of traditional olive oil powerhouses and firmly establishes our nation as a producer of world-class extra virgin olive oils.
What Makes Croatian Olive Oil Exceptional?
This success isn't accidental. Croatian olive oils stand out for several key reasons:
- Early Harvest Practices: Croatian producers harvest olives at optimal ripeness, ensuring maximum flavour complexity and polyphenol content
- Immediate Processing: Estate-grown olives are milled on-site within hours of harvest, preserving freshness and nutritional value
- High Polyphenol Levels: Croatian oils are known for their robust polyphenol profiles, delivering both superior taste and health benefits
- Terroir: The unique microclimate of the Adriatic coast—with its mineral-rich soil and ideal sun exposure—creates oils with distinctive character

A Win for the Entire Croatian Olive Oil Community
While Dalmatia Oil did not enter this year's competition, we celebrate this incredible achievement alongside our fellow Croatian producers. This global recognition strengthens Croatia's reputation as a source of premium, health-forward olive oils and inspires all of us to continue raising our standards.
The NYIOOC results prove what we've always known: Croatia produces some of the finest olive oils in the world. This success motivates us to maintain our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the Mediterranean tradition of excellence.
Looking Forward
As the international community takes notice of Croatian olive oil, we're proud to be part of this growing movement. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or new to Croatian oils, now is the perfect time to discover what makes our oils truly special.
Here's to continued growth, shared success, and bolder ambitions for Croatian olive oil! 🫒🌿
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