Istria and Bale extra virgin olive oil producers win prestigious awards

18.12.2023.

Slaviša Srdić

At the 13th edition of the prestigious event "Days of Young Oil in Dalmatia," held on December 16, 2023 in Vodice, Istrian olive oil producers, especially those from Bale and Vodnjan, achieved remarkable results.

Such events are the best indicators of oil quality, as they combine chemical analysis, which confirms the extra virgin status of the oil, with organoleptic evaluation carried out by certified experts.

240 oil samples from different regions of Croatia arrived at the Vodice competition. The champion of this year's event in the category of varietal oils and in the category of packaging is Istrian producer Matia Simon Červar. In the category of multivariate oils, Odakovo oil from Zagreb won first place. Second place was taken by Lupić oil producer from Bale with its Bembo oil of the Rožinjola variety. Third place went to the Association of Croatian Veterans with PTSD from Šibenik with the Oblica variety.

Quality control of extra virgin olive oils is essential to maintain high standards of oil production. The Vodice competition is not only a recognition of the quality of some producers, but also a confirmation that the Croatian region of Istria is one of the world's leading regions for extra virgin olive oil production. The specific climate and long olive-growing tradition, together with advanced olive processing and transformation techniques, make this part of Croatia extremely suitable for the production of high-quality olive oil.

Prestigious awards are once again going to Bale

Producers from Bale, whose focus has always been on quality and innovation, once again distinguished themselves on the olive growing scene. At this year's event in Vodice, their efforts and dedication resulted in winning prestigious awards.

Lupić, the producer of Bembo extra virgin olive oils

Lupić, the producer of Bembo extra virgin olive oils continually achieves success with its Bembo monovarietal oils from indigenous Istrian varieties. Repeated victories in competitions testify to the constant effort and quality offered. The Bembo oil of the Rosinjola variety, processed in the San Antonio oil mill in Vodnjan, won the gold medal and second place with a high score of 95.8, and the other monovarietal oils Buža and Puntoža, also awarded the gold medal, were no less successful.

In Volo Oil Producer

With their oil of the Buža variety, produced at the Chiavalon oil mill, In Volo oil producer made remarkable progress this year. After an excellent 18th place finish last year, this year's competition brought them a gold medal and an impressive 5th place with a score of 95.72. This success highlights how continuous work, innovation and commitment to quality can lead to outstanding results in olive growing.

Chamango Oil Producer

Chamango, as a debutant on the olive scene, achieved enviable success at this year's competition. Chamango multi-varietal oil, processed at the Grubić oil mill in Bale, won the gold medal and 21st place with a score of 94.05. Their monovarietal oil of the Buža variety, processed in the San Antonio oil mill, also wins a gold medal and a score of 92.15.

Bale, the city of olive oil

Besides Lupić, In Volo and Chamango, Bale is proud of other experienced and renowned producers who contribute to the rich tradition of Istrian olive growing. Long-established producers such as Grubić, Maur, Nono Remiđo, Meneghetti, Bagolar and others have consistently raised the standards of olive oil production with their work and quality.

Istria, the region of high quality extra virgin olive oils

These outstanding achievements highlight the Istrian region as a place of excellence in the world of olive growing, and Bale and Vodnjan, with their unique climatic conditions and rich olive growing tradition, are recognized as one of the best locations in Istria for extra virgin olive oil production.