Catalonia’s top 10 extra virgin olive oils for 2025 have been officially revealed at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The winners, announced at the ‘Oscars of Olive Oil’ gala in Les Borges Blanques, showcase the region’s finest producers across two key categories.
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This recognition highlights the exceptional quality emerging from Catalan groves.
Catalonia’s Top 10 Extra Virgin Olive Oils: The Winners
Five large producers and five small-scale artisans received top honours. The winning large-producer oils are Elixir Despinyolada Bio and Elixir Bio from Quadrat Valley, alongside Janiroc Koroneiki, Janiroc Lecciana, and Janiroc Arbequina from Pons Tradició. Consequently, these brands represent significant commercial excellence.
Meanwhile, the small-producer category winners are Salar d’Arbúcies from Molí Salar d’Arbúcies, Coll de l’Alba Morruda from Xavier Guilera Ximenis, Arbor Sacris from Miliunverd, Oli de Marges de Can Calopa from L’Olivera, and Identitat Olive Oil Empeltre from Identitat Olive Oil. These selections celebrate artisanal dedication and unique local varieties.
The awards, organised by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, evaluated 186 submissions. This figure marks a significant increase of 53 entries compared to last year. Furthermore, a total of seventy-two oils received recognition across various competition categories.
A Celebration of Catalan Quality and Landscape
Winning producers expressed profound connections to their craft and land. The producer of Elixir Despinyolada Bio described oil as “landscape,” highlighting their unique pitted olive process. Additionally, the maker of Salar d’Arbúcies emphasised efforts to revive the rare ‘salar’ olive variety.
The gala, presented by Abraham Orriols and Claudia Raymat, featured olive oil-themed dining from acclaimed chefs. Joel Castanyé of two-Michelin-starred La Boscana prepared dishes, while Xavier Benet crafted desserts. Benet noted the particular challenges for restaurants in the Lleida region, stating they must “work much harder to achieve the same as restaurants in other areas.”
Agriculture Councillor Òscar Ordeig addressed attendees, calling for a strategic shift in promotion. “We need to make a turning point in how we promote ourselves,” he stated, advocating for collective efforts to build a stronger national brand. He also highlighted recent initiatives, including a Barcelona olive oil market in Plaça Catalunya.
Ordeig announced forthcoming legislation requiring 50% of institutional food purchases to be locally sourced. He boldly declared an ambition for 2026: “I ask that in 2026 Catalonia wants to be the world capital of extra virgin olive oil.” The event also honoured Xavier Vicens, retiring director of the Official Tasting Panel for Virgin Olive Oils of Catalonia, after thirty-six years of service.
The ceremony concluded with confirmation that next year’s competition will be held in Reus. This annual event continues to solidify Catalonia’s reputation for producing some of the world’s finest premium agricultural products. For those seeking the perfect gourmet gift, these award-winning oils represent the pinnacle of Catalan quality and tradition.
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