Mangrove Studios Awarded for Organic Picual

Spanish producer Mangrove Studios has again triumphed at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.

In such a challenging year, where cost control is so highly present in mind, the fact that we were able to meet our quality goals fills us with joy.

Albert Cohen, co-owner

The Andalusian producer earned a second-straight Gold Award for its Tropicual - Reserva Familiar brand, an organic medium Picual.

"We are naturally thrilled to win this award," co-owner Albert Cohen said. "In such a challenging year, where cost control is so highly present in mind, the fact that we were able to meet our quality goals fills us with joy."

"Our company is still in start-up mode, and we are continually investing in our brand and international growth, so this award fuels us to push onwards and upwards," he added.

Cohen cited Spain's historic drought as the company's main challenge. Despite quality being as high as ever, the company experienced a significant production decline in the 2022/23 crop year.

"Our number one challenge is, of course, climate change," Cohen said. "With only 30 percent of production this past harvest, it was practically impossible for us to break even – in spite of the high extra virgin olive oil prices."

"We nevertheless remain committed to our goal of producing sustainably, investing in restoring our immediate ecosystem and introducing technology for smart use of water," he added.

Held each spring in New York, the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is the world's largest and most prestigious olive oil contest. 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 in the Official Guide to the World's Best Olive Oils.