Entries open for 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

The 2026 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) is now open for entries, offering the chance to be named Best EVOO, Flavoured Oil or Table Olive of Show. The coveted titles continue to grow in both status and reputation, alongside the increasing field of entries from producers across the globe keen to make their mark at the prestigious competition.

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.

Entry benefits

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.

Other benefits for entrants include:

• Entries assessed and awarded on merit by internationally-trained judges.
• 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.

 What previous winners say

 “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

Changes to Award categories in 2026

As part of its ongoing commitment to event improvement, the 2026 AIOA will see the following changes to award categories:

• Champion Reserve categories will now also apply to all EVOO Best of State winners
• The following Awards will no longer apply:
  • Best Table Olive Southern Hemisphere; Best Table Olive Northern Hemisphere
  • Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Southern Hemisphere; Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Northern Hemisphere
  • Best Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Best Australian Table Olive

Key Dates

Entries Open: 1 June 2026

Entries Close: 21 August 2026

Medal winners announced: 28 September 2026 (all entrants will be emailed their personal results and decal order link)

Major awards announced: TBC

Enter now

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].