Greek olive oils shine at Olivinus Competition in Argentina

Α Decrease font Enlarge font
Greek olive oils shine at Olivinus Competition in ArgentinaThe Greek accomplishments at Olivinus are particularly noteworthy because the 12 judges were considering Greek olive oils from last autumn’s harvest alongside many fresh South American oils

By Lisa Radinovsky

At the 2019 Olivinus International Olive Oil Competition in Mendoza, Argentina in early September, Greek extra virgin olive oils won 10 quality awards, while Greek flavored olive oil condiments took home 7 prizes. This was an especially impressive showing in a competition with 194 olive oils from 18 countries, many of them from the Southern Hemisphere.

The Greek accomplishments at Olivinus are particularly noteworthy because the 12 judges were considering Greek olive oils from last autumn’s harvest alongside many fresh South American oils. Since the Southern Hemisphere’s olive harvest takes place from March to July, while the Northern Hemisphere’s harvest begins in the European autumn, the South Americans had the advantage of fresher olive oils. Freshness often means more striking flavors and aromas compared with an earlier season’s oils.

With 8 exceptional entries from last autumn’s harvest and a 100% success rate, Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms was the top Greek winner at Olivinus this year. Five of their olive oils were awarded the top distinction of Grand Prestige Gold, while 3 received Gold awards. The Sakellaropoulos team considers this especially significant since “Olivinus is now the most important competition in Latin America and in the Southern Hemisphere countries in general.”

Their latest awards bring the total to an amazing 126 prizes for Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms, which they point out is “a unique record for a Greek single-estate producer of organic olives and olive oil.” Nick Sakellaropoulos adds that they “are very proud that our olive oils were awarded with top scores at Olivinus 2019. It is the first time in the 12 years since the beginning of the competition that a Greek company and Greek olive oils have been distinguished with so many and such important awards.”

Their Oleoastron flavored olive oil received 97/100 points, while their new Gemstone blend flavored with ginger, lime, and basil captured more than 92/100. Nick Sakellaropoulos told Greek Liquid Gold he considers this a continuation of “its wonderful journey,” since it is the fifth time that Gemstone has earned more than 92 points at a major international olive oil competition in 2019, “proving that it’s an innovative, unique, and impressive olive oil. This is the result of hard work, 27 years of dedication to achieving the best possible quality, and experience derived from many years of testing, tasting, and experimenting.”

Celebrating the success of two more distinctive flavored olive oils, Ellie Tragakes commented that her team at Hellenic Agricultural Enterprises is also “extremely pleased that we have won awards at Olivinus, this highly prestigious competition, for the second year in a row. Having received Grand Prestige Gold for our ACAIA and ACAIA Organic last year, we decided to participate with our flavored oils this year. Our flavored oils combine the special taste and aroma characteristic of the Kolovi olive variety that is unique to the island of Lesvos with all-natural essential oils. This year our ACAIA with Grapefruit & Bergamot received Grand Prestige Gold, while ACAIA with Lemon & Oregano received Gold. We are thrilled that ACAIA’s reputation is spreading to the Americas.”

Valia Kelidou told Greek Liquid Gold everyone at Kyklopas is very proud that they took home a Grand Prestige Gold award for their 11-month old extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in a competition featuring fresh oils from South America. They are pleased to share the flavor of their area on this continent. “Our olive oil is from the unique Makri variety found only in our region.” Their olive mill is in the village of Makri, 10 kilometers from the major port city of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece. This award from Olivinus brings Kyklopas’s total to 103 quality awards for their extra virgin olive oil in the last 10 years, which Kelidou considers striking evidence of their business’s consistent excellence.

UPDATE, October 6, 2019: Later results revealed that Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming's Oleoastron was judged the Best Flavored Olive Oil in the competition, while their Agourelaio Organic EVOO was also the only Greek olive oil selected by children for an award at Olivinus.

Complete List of Greek Quality Award Winners at Olivinus 2019

Special Awards

Best Flavored Olive Oil: Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Oleoastron Gourmet Flavored Olive Oil

Selected by Children: Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Agourelaio Organic EVOO

Grand Prestige Gold Awards

  • Greka Icons S.A. - Trea Koroneiki & Athinoelia   
  • Hellenic Agricultural Enterprises Ltd. - Acaia Flavored with Grapefruit
  • Kyklopas Elaiotriveio Argyri Kelidi S.A. - Kyklopas Early Harvest
  • Olympian Green International S.A. - Ktima Louiza        
  • Olympian Green International S.A. - Olympian Green Oly Oil        
  • Olympus Olive Oil - Olympus Olive Oil        
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Agourelaio Organic EVOO        
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Enigma Gourmet Flavored Olive Oil     
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Gemstone Blend (Flavored with Ginger, Lime, and Basil)
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Oleoastron Gourmet Flavored Olive Oil
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Syllektikon Gourmet Flavored Olive Oil (Flavored with Oranges, Lemons, and Wild Thyme

Prestige Gold Awards

  • Botzakis S.A. - Olyssos Organic        
  • Liá Cultivator - Liá Premium Edition   

Gold Awards

  • Hellenic Agricultural Enterprises Ltd. - Acaia Flavored with Lemon      
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Armonia Organic EVOO        
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Enstagma Flavored Olive Oil with Saffron      
  • Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming - Fyllikon Organic EVOO

Thanks to Sakellaropoulos Organic Farming for the photos.

“Originally published on Greek Liquid Gold: Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (greekliquidgold.com). See that site for recipes with olive oil, photos from Greece, and olive oil news and information.”

RELATED TOPICS: GreeceGreek tourism newsTourism in GreeceGreek islandsHotels in GreeceTravel to GreeceGreek destinationsGreek travel marketGreek tourism statisticsGreek tourism report

Tornos
  1. 22/09 22:18

    Greek FM in trilateral meeting with Cyprus and Jordan counterparts in New York

  2. 22/09 21:12

    The LAGFF announces special in-person and online screenings set for October

  3. 22/09 21:02

    Emergency meeting for readiness of Greek state against upcoming adverse weather

  4. 22/09 19:22

    Prime Minister: Greece is a pillar of energy stability and security in broader region

  5. 22/09 13:57

    Chinese Travel and Leisure magazine selects Greece as top island destination for 2023

  6. 21/09 16:25

    Significant rise in temperatures in Greece over weekend

  7. 21/09 15:47

    Protest rallies in downtown Athens against Labour bill concluded

  8. 21/09 11:43

    No metro in Athens on Thursday - Tram only until 13.30

  9. 21/09 11:27

    Greek Prime Minister to address the United Nations General Assembly

  10. 21/09 00:13

    Athens public transport disrupted on Thursday due to 24hr strike

  11. 20/09 21:26

    Bank of Greece governor: Economy forecast to grow by 2.2% this year and 3.0% in 2024

  12. 20/09 20:22

    European Heritage Days: Free entrance to sites, museums in Greece on Friday-Sunday

  13. 20/09 20:14

    Flights at Greek airports to remain undisrupted on Thursday

  14. 20/09 19:19

    A Centenary Celebration of Maria Callas organized at Juilliard on September 21

  15. 20/09 01:40

    ADEDY, seamen, air traffic controllers and Athens bus drivers declare strikes on Thursday

  16. 19/09 22:41

    UNESCO adds Greece's Zagorochoria to its World Heritage List

  17. 19/09 21:58

    Fitch Ratings and Moody's upgrade ratings of Greece's systemic banks

  18. 19/09 20:52

    Agricultural Development Minister: EU funds for Greek farmers should be prioritized

  19. 19/09 19:47

    St. Luke Hosted its Annual Greek Festival in Philadelphia on September 15-17

  20. 17/09 14:42

    Global Greek Film Initiative supports professional development in Greece

  21. 17/09 14:33

    Trojan AHEPA Chapter 306 volunteers support Regional Food Bank in New York

  22. 17/09 12:36

    ADMIE: "Green" electricity production has reached record levels in Greece

  23. 17/09 11:44

    Level at Lake Karla subsiding but Volos city without safe drinking water for 13th day

  24. 17/09 11:25

    Greek National Tourism Organisation Secretary: Greece is winning sector's bet for 2023

  25. 16/09 15:54

    Greek PM: Pulmonology clinic of 'Papanikolaou' hospital restored in record time

  26. 16/09 15:50

    US consul general in Thessaloniki: Health of every person must be top priority

  27. 16/09 15:50

    US consul general in Thessaloniki: Health of every person must be top priority

  28. 16/09 15:50

    US consul general in Thessaloniki: Health of every person must be top priority

  29. 16/09 15:46

    112 message sent over rising water at Lake Karla in flood-stricken Central Greece

  30. 16/09 15:41

    Moody's raises Greece's ratings to Ba1 from Ba3 and keeps outlook stable

  31. 16/09 10:37

    Minister: Greece and China contributed to world culture

  32. 14/09 22:35

    Cruise ship arrivals at Greek port of Piraeus up 85% in January-August 2023

  33. 14/09 18:50

    HRADF declares Greek firm as preferred investor in tender for Attica Motorway

  34. 14/09 14:58

    Greece's Athens Medical Group signs MoU with Egyptian Health Minister

  35. 12/09 22:53

    Christos Stylianides takes over as Greek shipping minister after swearing-in ceremony

  36. 12/09 22:44

    Autohellas announced a 23.5% increase in its second quarter turnover of 2023

  37. 12/09 22:41

    Hellenic Film Society USA hosts the New York Greek Film Expo 2023

  38. 12/09 15:36

    EC chief: Greece could mobilise up to €2.25 billion in aid for floods and fires

  39. 12/09 12:32

    Greece's Aegean Motorway still closed due to flooding at Gyrtonis-Sykourio area

  40. 12/09 01:42

    Memorial Service for September 11 victims organized at St. Nicholas WTC

  41. 11/09 23:51

    Greek and Bulgarian Presidents tour pavilion of Bulgaria, honored country at TIF

  42. 11/09 23:44

    Capital Link Shipping Forum to take place in London on September 12

  43. 11/09 23:38

    Aegean Airways reports strong H1 results in 2023

  44. 11/09 22:38

    Aegean national highway closed down at Tempi valley due to overflowing in Greece

  45. 10/09 23:47

    87th TIF opens its gates amid scheduling changes due to disastrous storm

  46. 08/09 22:16

    Greek PM: Restoring water in Volos and evacuating people in Pilio top priorities

  47. 08/09 21:01

    Ferry brings technicians to restore power in Pilio and Skiathos island in Greece

  48. 08/09 15:13

    Ferries to stay docked in Greece on September 13

  49. 08/09 14:08

    20th Pan-Icarian Convention in Philadelphia honors U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

  50. 08/09 12:13

    Tax Free Service extension in prepackaged food products and alcoholic beverages

  51. 08/09 10:04

    TFTD 2023: Artificial Intelligence areas that Greece could become a leader in

  52. 07/09 00:45

    Greek economy grew 2.7% in Q2 of 2023

  53. 07/09 00:41

    Greek Minister meets Ambassadors of Italy, the Netherlands, Egypt and Bangladesh

  54. 07/09 00:36

    Codeshares of AEGEAN Air and Emirates extended to Athens-New York route

  55. 06/09 14:24

    Greece sells 12-month Treasury bills at 3.81%

  56. 06/09 00:33

    Round-table discussion on 'Smart cities and AI' organized at TIF on Saturday

  57. 04/09 22:19

    Heavy rainfall hits Greek mainland and island regions

  58. 04/09 20:29

    Timed ticketing system introduced at the Acropolis of Athens to improve crowding

  59. 04/09 17:39

    Greece, Israel and Cyprus committed to expanding trade, and collaboration with India

  60. 03/09 01:26

    Minister writes to regions and municipalities for anti-corrosive and anti-flooding works

  61. 03/09 01:11

    Greek Language Institute sessions at the Hellenic American Academy begin soon

  62. 02/09 19:15

    Category 4 risk of fire in five Greek regions on Sunday

  63. 02/09 14:05

    Greek Coast Guard rescues 61 undocumented migrants off Serifos island

  64. 31/08 09:50

    Prime Minister to address Greek parliament on measures to tackle climate crisis

  65. 31/08 08:53

    Welsh nationalists join Chinese and Greek voices for return of Elgin Marbles

  66. 31/08 07:49

    Economic Chamber calls for October-November deadlines for Greek balance sheets

  67. 31/08 06:58

    Greek tax authority chief: Revenues from booking platforms could reach €700 million

  68. 31/08 00:24

    Media: Optimism reigns at commencement of St. Demetrios of Astoria School Year

  69. 30/08 10:56

    Greek wine production to fall by 30% in 2023 due to fungus

  70. 30/08 01:53

    UNWTO to assist Greek island of Thassos rebuild tourism sector

  71. 30/08 01:20

    National trade and investment agency of Greek state Enterprise Greece in spotlight

  72. 30/08 00:34

    Historic Palamas Residence in Athens suburb of Plaka undergoes restoration

  73. 30/08 00:13

    ANA-MPA signs deal with GNTO to promote Greece abroad

  74. 29/08 22:31

    Historic Hosios Loukas monastery in central Greece reopens to visitors after fire

  75. 29/08 21:18

    Media: Mandarin Oriental launches luxurious resort in Greece’s Costa Navarino

  76. 29/08 19:05

    Al Fursan and Typhoon aircraft in Athens ahead of Athens Flying Week 2023

  77. 29/08 17:24

    Greek president: Med countries should respond to revert the climate crisis

  78. 28/08 20:19

    President of the Hellenic Republic arrives at Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia

  79. 28/08 19:28

    EU mobilization for Greece's help with fires reaches 350 firefighters and 12 aircraft

  80. 28/08 19:10

    AP: Greek suburb residents buy early warning drones to stop wildfires

  81. 28/08 18:24

    Greek heritage hockey team visits South Florida for Amerigol LATAM Cup

  82. 28/08 16:26

    Greek Maritime Golf Event supports Parents Association of Children with Cancer “Floga”

  83. 28/08 14:05

    Piraeus Chamber chief: We welcome India's interest in Greek ports

  84. 27/08 21:16

    Yale University men’s basketball team takes trip of a lifetime across Greece

  85. 27/08 17:24

    AP: Following British Museum thefts, Greece keeping watch what happens

  86. 27/08 15:12

    Pope Francis from the Vatican: 'I express my solidarity with the Greek people'

  87. 27/08 00:29

    Foreign financial institutions give vote of trust in Athens stock exchange and Greek banks

  88. 27/08 00:21

    EFKA online services to go offline for upgrades on September 1-10

  89. 26/08 19:05

    Greek firefighters battling flare-ups and outbreaks in Evros, Andros and Fthiotida

  90. 26/08 14:54

    TNH exclusive report: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson vacation in Karpathos island

  91. 26/08 13:38

    Athens Flying Week 2023 in September

  92. 26/08 11:50

    Joint Declaration inked in Athens upgrades Greece-India relationship to Strategic Partnership

  93. 26/08 00:02

    Online platform for 'Market Pass' applications opens in Greece on September 15

  94. 24/08 23:52

    Greek Fire Brigade: Mount Parnitha wildfire conditions substantially improved

  95. 24/08 22:04

    Dadia forest fire damage too early to assess though hopes remain in Greece

  96. 24/08 20:44

    Covid-19 infections up with 33 fatalities in Greece during August 14-20

  97. 24/08 20:00

    Foreign Minister to Wion news: Greece can become India's gateway to Europe

  98. 24/08 19:53

    Greek authorities simplify storage process for vehicles with foreign license plates

  99. 24/08 01:53

    Staellinika launches online free Greek proficiency test

  100. 24/08 01:52

    Mt. Parnitha fire near Athens has subsided but firefighting efforts continue overnight