The Turkish family business earned a Gold Award in New York for a medium-intensity Kilis monovarietal extra virgin olive oil.
Olive Oil Times |
Kilis, Turkey — Masmana has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Masmana Polyphenol Rich brand.
Masmana Polyphenol Rich is a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil produced from Kilis olives. The oil is distinguished by bright green pepper and arugula, with chicory and herbaceous notes that build toward a lingering spice.
Masmana is a family business rooted in Turkey’s Kilis region, where the founders trace their connection to olive cultivation back four generations and describe nomadic family roots. The Masmana name comes from a local expression meaning “the place where soap and olive oil are produced,” a reference to the region’s long-standing relationship with olive agriculture and the everyday products made from it.
The producers have described formative memories of traveling as children to press olives in Kilis and the lasting impression of the aroma at local mills. Today, Masmana is focused on organic production and on crafting high-polyphenol, natural extra virgin olive oils from the native Kilis cultivar, positioning the variety’s distinctive character at the center of Masmana’s work.
In a recent Olive Oil Times report on Masmana, the award-winning team highlighted the distinctive qualities of Kilis olives while working through climatic and socioeconomic challenges that affect production in the region. The Gold Award at the 2026 NYIOOC adds international recognition to Masmana’s efforts to bring organic Kilis extra virgin olive oil to a wider audience.
The 2026 Gold builds on Masmana’s established record at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Masmana has earned four awards overall: two Gold Awards and two Silver Awards, including a Gold in 2024 and two Silver Awards in 2022.
The result also strengthens Masmana’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where Masmana is ranked #19 in Turkey, #107 in the Northern Hemisphere and #111 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.