Hvar Olive Growers Excel at Prestigious NY Competition
Olive growers from the island of Hvar have achieved remarkable success at one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for olive oil quality – the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC). This renowned event gathers producers from across the globe each year and serves as the most relevant platform for evaluating premium extra virgin olive oils. Competing among the best, four producers from Hvar won a total of five gold medals, reaffirming the global reputation of Croatia’s olive oil tradition.
Božić Olive Mill – Svirče d.o.o. gained a gold award for its oil “Božić uje,” made exclusively from the indigenous Oblica variety. The oil stands out for its pronounced fruitiness, with mild notes of bitterness and pungency, complemented by a pleasant sweetness that rounds out the overall flavor. Produced from hand-picked and cold-pressed olives, “Božić uje” represents a blend of tradition, quality, and Hvar’s unique terroir.
OPG Eva Marija Čurin won a gold medal for its “Eva Marija Premium” oil, made from the Oblica and Levantinka varieties. This extra virgin olive oil is characterized by fresh, pronounced fruitiness with aromas of freshly cut grass, olive leaves, artichokes, arugula (rocket), and green vegetables. The bitter and pungent notes are perfectly balanced, creating an exceptionally complex and harmonious profile that delights olive oil connoisseurs.
Radojković Olive Mill – Rajski vrt Radojković received two gold medals for Radojković Oblica and Radojković Levantinka. The Oblica oil, as already stated, is noted for its aroma of ripe olives, refined pungency, and mild bitterness, with a sweet finish that brings balance. The Levantinka oil offers fresh fruitiness and the scent of freshly mown grass, showcasing the diversity and richness of the island’s olive groves.
OPG Garmica
Garmica oil was awarded a gold medal as well. This high-quality extra virgin olive oil is made from the indigenous Oblica olive variety. It is characterized by fresh, intense fruitiness enriched with complex aromas. The olives, which grow on the rugged karst terrain, require special care and dedication. It is precisely this careful attention, combined with the challenging conditions, that results in an oil of exceptional quality – an authentic product of nature and tradition.
This outstanding achievement at the NYIOOC confirms that the island of Hvar, known primarily as a tourist destination, is also gaining recognition on the global gastronomic and olive-growing map. The passion, dedication, and expertise of Hvar’s olive growers have been transformed into drops of liquid gold that are conquering the world.
