ATHENA 2026 International Olive Oil Competition: Record number of entries and a strong Greek presence

The 11th edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition, which took place in Athens from May 2 to 4, 2026, was successfully concluded, with the results officially announced on Monday, May 25. This year’s event saw record-high participation, propelling the competition into its second decade with great momentum.

Record Number of Entries and Judging Panel

The competition attracted 662 olive oil samples from 25 different countries, setting a new record.

• Participation from abroad reached a record 57% of the total, with representatives from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
• For the first time in the competition's history, olive oils from Pakistan and Azerbaijan took part.
• The evaluation was conducted by a 30-member judging panel, which consisted of 20 international judges from 12 countries and 10 Greek tasters.

The Distribution of Medals

A total of 438 medals were awarded at the event. Specifically:

• Double Gold Medals: 63 in total, 11 of which were Greek olive oils.
• Gold Medals: 197 in total, with 58 involving Greek participants.
• Silver Medals: 105 in total, of which 55 were awarded to Greek olive oils.
• Bronze Medals: 73 in total, of which 38 were awarded to Greek participants.
• The Greek team had a strong showing, winning 162 medals out of the country's total of 281 entries.

Top Honors (Best of Show and Special Awards)

• The top prize in the competition «Best of Show» was awarded to the Italian olive oil Maselli Coratina from Azienda Agricola Maselli (Apulia, Coratina variety).
• The award for the best Greek olive oil, as well as for the The world's best olive oil from the Koroneiki variety, won the Terra Creta Crete of the company Melissa–Kikizas (Chania).
• As of best flavored olive oil The standout of the year was the Liokareas Cold-Fused Chili, which won a double gold medal.

Special Awards for Greek Varieties

The competition also recognized the most significant Greek varieties (provided there were at least 5 samples):

• Manaki: Hermes Dimarakis Manaki Estate (Argolis).
• Megaritic: Kormos from the Lyberis Estate – Askra Olive Oil (Boeotia).
• Chondroelia, Chalkidiki: Marble by Dimitrios Garofallos (Chalkidiki).

Awards by Geographic Region of Greece

• Thrace: Ages Limited Reserve (Cyclops Argyris Kelidis Olive Oil Mill).
• Macedonia: Argos V Fruity (Agriston).
• Epirus: Poem: Organic Kassopaia, Chora (Poiema Organic Olive Oil).
• Aegean Islands: Jordan Bambatsa (Jordan Olive Oil).
• Thessaly: Pelion 82.
• Central Greece: Athina Doron (The Master Miller).
• Peloponnese: Olive Poem (Best Greek organic product).
• Ionian Islands: Theotoki Early Harvest Organic Farm.
• Crete: Terra Creta Crete (Melissa – Kikizas).

Note: The competition was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Region of Attica.