The southern Sicilian producer’s medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil earned another top distinction at the world’s leading quality contest.
Olive Oil Times |
Southern Sicily, Italy — Mandranova has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for Mandranova Selezione.
Mandranova Selezione is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity. Marked by an unripe, green character, Mandranova Selezione opens with green almond and fresh cucumber notes, followed by parsley aromatics and a black pepper finish. Produced from Sicilian cultivars, Mandranova Selezione reflects harvesting that begins in September and rapid processing at a proprietary mill through cold extraction.
Mandranova is located in southern Sicily, where the farm covers more than 180 hectares. Olive oil and almonds are the main products. The farm produces olive oil using integrated agriculture and polyconic vase pruning, practices that support orchard management while focusing on fruit quality and consistency.
Mandranova has also emphasized consumer education as part of its broader work in the sector. At the 32nd edition of Ercole Olivario in Perugia, Mandranova received the Giorgio Phellas special award for oleotourism, with co-owner Silvia Di Vincenzo highlighting the producer’s proximity to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples of Agrigento and describing how Mandranova hosts visitors and runs mini olive oil tasting courses that explain production, nutritional properties and food pairings.
The 2026 NYIOOC Gold adds to Mandranova’s established record at the competition. Overall, Mandranova has earned 11 Gold and two Silver awards at NYIOOC, including Gold awards in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
The latest result also strengthens Mandranova’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where Mandranova is ranked #13 in Italy, #45 in the Northern Hemisphere and #46 Worldwide.
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.