Winning the 2026 Best in Show in the New Zealand olive oil awards is the highest accolade in the industry, and we are incredibly proud that our Mediterranean Blend has taken out this prestigious title!
Made from a carefully selected combination of Picual and Frantoio olive oils, our Mediterranean Blend stood out among 91 entries to claim the top award. This is an outstanding achievement and a wonderful recognition of the quality, care and dedication that go into producing our olive oil.
To enter the competition, oils must first be certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Certification is done in Australia, this certification involves rigorous chemical analysis and sensory testing to ensure the oil meets the highest industry standards. The judging process is equally demanding, with judges required to undertake significant training to develop the skills needed to assess the oils accurately and consistently.
Our Mediterranean Blend impressed the judges with its excellent balance, complexity and character. Their tasting notes highlighted:
“Good intensity of aroma – green apple, ripe pear, floral notes of daphne and jasmine. Good transfer to the palate – green grass, spices and green banana. Good presence of pungency and bitterness. In line with medium oil.”
These comments reflect the distinctive flavours and aromas that make our Mediterranean Blend such a special oil.
And that’s not all!
Ray also took home the 2026 Processor of the Year award – a fantastic achievement that has never before come to Nelson!
To receive both Best in Show and Processor of the Year is an incredible honour. These awards recognise not only the quality of our finished product but also the skill, knowledge and dedication behind every stage of the olive oil-making process.
We are absolutely delighted with this result and incredibly proud to see our hard work recognised at such a high level.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We look forward to sharing more of our award-winning olive oil with you!
