Vina Devalentinis Awarded in World Competition Debut

Vina Devalentinis from Croatia has won a Gold Award at the world's most prestigious olive oil quality contest.

This is an indication that we have been on the right track for traditional olive oil production all these years. This big award is an incentive and wind at the back for our small company.

Igor Devalentinis, owner

The Istrian producer earned its first-ever award at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for its Istrian brand, a medium-intensity blend.

"This recognition at the prestigious NYIOOC means a lot to us," owner Igor Devalentinis said. "This is an indication that we have been on the right track for traditional olive oil production all these years. This big award is an incentive and wind at the back for our small company."

In the 2023/24 crop year, Vina Devalentinis produced 1,000 liters of extra virgin olive oil from 400 Leccino, Pendolino, Istria Buza and Istrian Bjelica olives using traditional methods.

"2023 was challenging in many ways," Devalentinis said. "The temperature was above average during the days, and the nights were very humid. As for the olive harvest itself, it was relatively good. We struggled a bit with the rain, but it was worth it."

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.