Mediterranean Natural Foods Awarded at 2023 NYIOOC

Mediterranean Natural Foods from Greece has won an award at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the world's largest olive oil quality contest.

The Halkidiki-based company earned a Gold Award for its Eleon Gold Label brand, a medium Koroneiki, which previously earned a Silver Award in 2018. Owner Eleftherios Lappas said winning the award vindicates his team's efforts.

While the 2022/23 crop year was fruitful for many producers in Greece, Lappas said each harvest comes with its challenges.

This may prove especially true in Halkidiki. Recent research found the peninsula is becoming warmer and drier, disrupting the existing pattern of olive cultivation on the peninsula.

Held each spring in New York, the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is the world's 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.