Croatia’s Brist Earns 3rd Straight NYIOOC Win

Brist has been recognized at NYIOOC World for the third year running.

Being awarded at the world’s most recognized competition is about testing ourselves against the very best, and we do this to know that we are on the right path.

Lena Puhar O'Grady, Owner, Brist d.o.o.

The Croatian company received a Gold Award for its Exclusive Selection, a medium blend that it produces using traditional methods. The company makes around 8,000 liters of extra virgin olive oil from its 5,000 Rosignola and Buza Zenska Vodnjanska olive trees.

When she learned of the award, owner Lena Puhar O'Grady mused that the company's rural location sheltered it from certain concerns that are more common for larger operations.

"Istria harvest 2019 was really good, and has been solid for many years. The groves of Istria are surrounded by so much other nature, therefore we don’t suffer the problems associated with industrial-scale production," said Puhar O'Grady. "Humanity is also starting to understand this concept, that if we constantly push to the edge, we are in danger of falling over."

She said the company revels in helping people discover high-quality olive oil.

"Being awarded at the world’s most recognized competition is about testing ourselves against the very best, and we do this to know that we are on the right path. For us, the greatest joy is simply the reaction of a guest who has just discovered what real EVOO is all about. Awards are great but we encourage people to trust their instincts above all," Puhar O'Grady said.

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, held each spring in New York, is the world's largest and most prestigious olive oil contest and its annual listing of award winners is considered the authoritative guide to the year’s best extra virgin olive oils.

The complete list of winners can be viewed on the Official Index of the World's Best Olive Oils