Istria’s PZ Maslinari Istre Wins Gold

PZ Maslinari Istre from Croatia has won a Gold Award at the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the world's largest olive oil quality contest.

The Istrian agricultural cooperative of olive growers earned its third World Competition accolade for its Konfin brand, a medium-intensity blend. The brand was previously awarded in 2023 and 2024.

"This is our third recognition at the NYIOOC, and each year we are very proud to receive such a prestigious award at one of the world's most renowned competitions," chief executive Saša Ukušić said.

"This year's award is once again dedicated primarily to the hard work of our members, and, as every year, it will help us open new sales channels and reach a wider circle of new customers," he added.

The Istrian cooperative produced 18,000 liters of extra virgin olive oil from Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino and Istarska Bjelica olives using traditional methods in the 2024/25 crop year.

"The olive harvest started earlier than usual, with a noticeably lower olive oil yield, which further increased the already high costs of harvesting and processing," Ukušić said.

"However, the quality of the resulting olive oil is exceptional, and we are proud of all the oil we produced," he added.

PZ Maslinari Istre is listed in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking.

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.