ATHENA IOOC Concludes in Athens, Elevating Greek Olive Oil’s Global Prestige

The 11th ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition (IOOC) concluded today, May 26, in Athens, marking another successful year for the event that has consistently promoted high-quality olive oil worldwide for over a decade. The competition, which has become a significant reference point in the global olive oil landscape, returned to its birthplace, Athens, where it was first established in 2016.

ATHENA IOOC: A Global Benchmark for Quality

This year’s ATHENA IOOC gathered hundreds of olive oil samples from numerous countries and featured a distinguished multinational judging panel. According to Dinos Stergidis, President of ATHENA IOOC, this year’s competition saw more international than Greek olive oils, with the judging panel predominantly composed of foreign tasters. Producers from 25 countries submitted their samples to Greece, recognizing ATHENA as a truly international competition.

Stergidis emphasized that the competition’s initial goal was to establish a framework of international prestige for Greek olive oil through a transparent, knowledgeable, and reliable evaluation process. “We believed we needed to contribute by creating an international competition here in Greece to give prestige to Greek olive oil,” he stated. This approach has transformed ATHENA into an outward-looking tool for Greek producers and a powerful message to the international market.

Strict Evaluation and Expert Panel

Significant importance is placed on the composition of the judging panel, which comprises accredited tasters and experts from diverse professional backgrounds. The President of the competition noted that the process is stringent, with judges certified by the International Olive Council. Awards are based on organoleptic evaluation and include distinctions, medals, and promotional materials for the producers.

Beyond sample tasting, ATHENA IOOC aims to connect the competition with its host location each year, highlighting local history, culture, and gastronomic identity. “Storytelling matters, and this gives authenticity to the event,” Stergidis explained. During each event, judges experience the region firsthand, visiting iconic monuments and participating in a rich parallel program that enhances the narrative of Greek olive oil.

Record Participation and International Reach

This year’s competition set a new record with 661 samples, nearly half of which were Greek entries. The international appeal remains impressive, with olive oils from Mediterranean countries and more unexpected markets, confirming the global dimension of olive oil. ATHENA, as highlighted by the organizers, serves as a mark of quality, a recognizable seal of trust for consumers, and a marketing tool for producers.

Asterios Koustoudis, Executive Chef of the Grande Bretagne Hotel, participated as a guest taster and shared his experience with ertnews.gr. He noted that “it is a great honor and advantage to be at such a table, in a process involving people with many years of experience and deep knowledge of the subject.” He stressed that this experience goes beyond tasting, encompassing an understanding of the true value of each product: “To understand the value of each product, to classify it correctly, and then our work begins.”

Koustoudis underscored the importance of differentiation in olive oil, pointing out that “a different olive oil is essential for cooking, another olive oil suits salads, another olive oil for topping.” This highlights a more modern and demanding approach to using the product. For him, participating in such a process helps culinary professionals better understand how olive oil can enhance, rather than merely supplement, a dish.

Strengthening Greek Olive Oil’s Position

This year’s ATHENA IOOC in Athens comes at a time when Greek olive oil is seeking an even stronger position in both domestic and international markets. Through rigorous evaluation, international participation, connection with gastronomy, and linkage to the local area, the competition aims to boost not only the reputation of Greek olive oil but also its sustainable commercial value. ATHENA continues to build bridges between tradition, quality, and international recognition.

Source: ertnews.gr