The Croatian producer earned Gold for two medium-intensity extra virgin olive oils, including a Frantoio monovarietal.
Olive Oil Times |
Novigrad, Croatia — Aminess has been awarded two Gold Awards at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Vergal and Vergal Frantoio brands.
Aminess earned a Gold for Vergal, a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil, as well as a Gold for Vergal Frantoio, a medium-intensity monovarietal produced from Frantoio olives. Across both labels, the oils are distinguished by a green, savory character, shaped by notes of artichoke and fresh-cut grass and rounded by almond.
The 2026 results extend Aminess’s record at the NYIOOC, where the producer has earned 12 Gold Awards overall. After winning three Gold Awards in 2025, Aminess added to a multi-year run of recognition that includes Gold Awards in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 2018.
Aminess cultivates Frantoio, Leccino and Istarska bjelica olives and has worked with the groves for nine years. Annual production totals about 5,000 liters, and Aminess has emphasized that each variety contributes distinct flavors and aromas depending on the fruit’s characteristics, an approach reflected in both the Vergal blend and the Vergal Frantoio monovarietal.
In Istria, olive growing has long been tied to local identity, and Aminess has positioned Vergal as part of Novigrad’s heritage. Through Vergal, Aminess presents Novigrad, Istria as a destination while maintaining what it describes as a vivid tradition around an exclusive and historical product, a message also shared through the Vergal website.
With the two Gold Awards, Aminess ranks #4 in Croatia, #46 in the Northern Hemisphere and #47 Worldwide in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking.
The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, widely regarded as the world's leading olive oil quality contest, is a trusted reference for consumers and industry professionals.