Tunisian producers have won 27 awards — 13 Golds and 14 Silvers — at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, their third-highest success rate at the contest.
The North African country achieved this victory despite a mediocre harvest, which earlier this year was estimated to reach 180,000 tons. The yield was much lower than the 240,000 tons of olive oil they produced in the 2021/22 crop year.
The chief executive of the country’s National Olive Oil Office (ONH), Hamed Daly Hassen, said winning these awards at the NYIOOC is important for the international recognition of Tunisian olive oil’s high quality.
Hassen said brand awareness drives oil preference and loyalty. He added NYIOOC awards help Tunisian oils sell abroad because consumers value award-winning extra virgin olive oils for safety and nutrition.
Among the winners at the world’s largest olive oil quality competition was Domaine Adonis from northwestern Tunisia, which earned four Gold Awards for its organic extra virgin olive oils.
“I feel ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy after winning the international competition and receiving top ratings for my olive oil,” owner Salah Ben Ayed told Olive Oil Times.