Best practice boosts quality at 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

The results of the 2026 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) have been announced, proving the value of the Australian industry’s commitment to high-quality production.

Despite a challenging year on many fronts, including the ‘off’ production cycle and dramatically delayed harvesting, the competition saw an increase in entries from 2025 numbers. Overall quality also defied the conditions, with more than 92% of entries receiving a medal, including 12 Platinum and 66 Gold.

Five of the six 2026 Best of Show winners are Australian producers, joined on the list by Spain’s largest table olive producer:

• Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Show, Boutique Volume – Devon Siding Olives Hardy’s Mammoth
• Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Show, Commercial Volume – Macaw Creek Olives Expression 2
• Best Flavoured Olive Oil of Show, Boutique Volume – OLIVE TWIST Orange Agrumato
• Best Flavoured Olive Oil of Show, Commercial Volume – Rio Vista Olives X Paul Farag Sahawiq
• Best Table Olive of Show, Boutique Volume – Gooramadda Olives Koroneiki
• Best Table Olive of Show, Commercial Volume – Goya en España Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Blue Cheese Paste

Event Convenor and Chief Steward Trudie Michels described this year’s extra virgin olive oils as “of a very good standard, with a wide range of flavour profiles and aromas”, while table olive entries showed “encouraging quality and diversity across the classes.”

Standing out in terms of quality improvement, however, were the Agrumato (co-pressed) flavoured oil entries, she said.

“It was particularly pleasing to see the continued improvement in agrumato oils, with the strongest entries showing excellent flavour, texture, persistence and purity.”

Australian Olive Association CEO Michael Southan said the AIOA continues to demonstrate the quality of Australian olive products on the world stage, and reflects the ongoing industry commitment to best practice production.

“A key factor is our industry code of best practice, which supports sustainable growing practices and quality olive production while strengthening industry standards, brand integrity and reputation,” he said.

About the AIOA

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.

The competition provides Australian producers with the opportunity to have their oils and table olives evaluated by expert panels across the globe, and benchmarked against other high-quality olive producers internationally.

Each entry is assessed and awarded on its own merit and all entrants receive comprehensive judging feedback, providing an unrivalled opportunity for both learning and product promotion. 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.

More information and winners

There’s more detailed information about the 2026 Australian International Olive Awards here, and the full list of major winners is available here.