(3 Minutes Read)
The Tunisian National Olive Oil Office (ONH) has officially unveiled the 26th edition of its prestigious national competition dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and celebrating the very best Tunisian extra virgin olive oils. This annual event stands as one of the country’s most important platforms for promoting excellence in olive oil production and elevating Tunisia’s international reputation as a leading producer.
Open to an extensive range of participants, the competition welcomes individual olive oil producers, agricultural cooperatives, growers’ associations, and companies involved in bottling and packaging. All entrants are required to submit extra virgin olive oils produced during the 2025–2026 harvest season, ensuring that only the freshest and most representative oils of the year are evaluated.
To qualify for submission, participating oils must fully comply with the strict standards governing the “extra virgin” category as defined by the International Olive Council (IOC). These internationally recognized criteria encompass a rigorous set of chemical and sensory requirements — including low acidity levels, absence of defects, purity, and exceptional organoleptic qualities such as aroma and flavor. By adhering to these standards, the competition guarantees that only oils of the highest quality and authenticity are judged.
Registration for the contest officially opened on 8 December 2025. As part of the evaluation process, the ONH will carry out official sampling directly from producers’ storage facilities between 10 December 2025 and 20 January 2026. Sampling will be conducted according to a predefined schedule set by the organizing committee, ensuring transparency, fairness, and consistency across all entries.
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Tunisia, recognized as one of the world’s foremost olive oil producers and exporters, boasts vast olive-growing regions shaped by centuries-old cultivation traditions. The ONH’s national competition plays a vital role in nurturing excellence within this strategic sector. It encourages producers to continually refine their practices, promotes innovation and quality enhancement, and helps position Tunisia’s premium olive oils on global markets.
Earning an award in this competition is widely regarded as a mark of distinction, offering significant benefits such as increased visibility, stronger branding opportunities, and improved export potential. For many producers, winning represents both national pride and a major milestone in their ongoing pursuit of producing world-class olive oil.
