2026 AIOA entries closing soon – are you in the running for Best of Show?

The countdown is on for 2026 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) entries, with just 10 days   left to secure your chance to be named the Best EVOO, Flavoured Oil or Table Olive of Show in the increasingly prestigious competition. Judged alongside entries from producers across the globe, winning one of the coveted titles provides the ultimate boost in status, reputation and sales.

Ongoing quality improvement is a key arm of the olive industry Strategic Investment Plan and R&D priorities, and the AIOA is one of the major avenues for achieving it. Grounded on judging rigour and excellence, all AIOA entries are assessed and awarded on their own merit by expert judging panels across the globe. Most importantly, all entrants receive comprehensive judging feedback on each entry, providing an unrivalled opportunity for both learning and product promotion.

Along with so much more …

Entry benefits include:

• Entries assessed by internationally-trained judging panels across six countries.
• Comprehensive judging feedback on every entry.
• Unprecedented opportunity for international recognition of winning products and producers.
• Comprehensive Results Book – invaluable brand and product marketing tool for all medal and award winners.
• Producer Index Listing in the Results Book to help buyers and consumers find your award-winning products, also accessible via the Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Everyday
• Professional product images for only $22 – a fraction of the price of your own professional photography.
• Decals for Medals, Best of Class and Best of Show
• Platinum Medal awarded to exceptionally high-scoring entries.

Successful judging also provides eligibility for AOA OliveCare® Code of Best Practice product certification – the industry’s most stringent accreditation and consumers’ guarantee of product quality and integrity – and the right to display the Australian Certified logo on your product.

The winning experience:

“I put my heart and soul into it, and it’s paid off with this award … and it’s expensive to make, so the boost in sales is such a bonus. Instead of three bottles, now people will ask for 12 – when it’s won Best in Show, it makes a great present.” Liz Tonkinson, Leisal Rose

“Until we entered the competition we had underestimated its importance. Not only does it provide an important benchmark for whether we are achieving an excellent product (or not), we have gained so much confidence in what we are doing and built our reputation with customers. Also we have been able to increase our prices on the Gold medal products.” Owen & Dianne Carington Smith, Bruny Island Olives

“It meant a lot to the team and as a business we’ve achieved something. It’s also very good for sales, as people care about the award.” Jared Bettio, Rio Vista Olives

Why wouldn’t you enter, and join them in international success!

Key Dates

Entries Close: 21 August 2026

Medal winners announced: 28 September 2026 (via email, along with decal order link)

Major awards announced: TBC

Enter NOW, there’s no time to lose!

There’s more detailed information about the 2026 Australian International Olive Awards here, and you can enter here. If you need assistance with your entries please contact Competition Convenor and Chief Steward Trudie Michels on 0419 031 527 or [email protected].