Family Farm Macala Orchards Triumphs on World Stage

California producer Macala Orchards has won a Gold Award at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.

We are very focused on producing the highest quality olive oil and remain committed to our growing practices, hand harvesting and milling while the olives are still fresh.

Nina Morton, marketing manager

Situated outside of Los Angeles, the company earned its debut award at the world's most prestigious olive oil quality contest for its medium-intensity Sicilian Blend.

"This is a very big honor for us," marketing manager Nina Morton said.

"We are very focused on producing the highest quality olive oil and remain committed to our growing practices, hand harvesting and milling while the olives are still fresh," she added. "It is rewarding to get recognition for our commitment to these practices."

In the 2023/24 crop year, Macala Orchards produced 659 liters of extra virgin olive oil from its 624 Ogliarola, Carolea and Cerasuola olive trees using traditional methods.

"Our biggest challenge this year was keeping up with our robust harvest as we are a small, family-owned and operated orchard," Morton said.

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is the world's preeminent olive oil quality contest. Its annual list of award winners is the authoritative guide to the world's best olive oils and the dedicated producers who craft them.

The complete list of winners can be viewed in the Official Guide to the World's Best Olive Oils.