The Croatian producer from Dalmatia was recognized for a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil marked by fresh, green aromatics.
Olive Oil Times |
Dalmatia, Croatia — OPG Birin has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Mediterano brand.
Mediterano is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity. Distinguished by herbaceous notes alongside green almond, arugula and artichoke, Mediterano reflects careful fieldwork and attentive milling aimed at preserving freshness and balance.
For more than two centuries, the Birin family has cultivated olives in Croatia. Today, OPG Birin continues that tradition under a new generation, combining inherited knowledge with modern agro-technical methods.
OPG Birin grows several olive tree varieties across five locations in the hinterland of Dalmatia. OPG Birin harvests olives by hand and processes the fruit within 12 hours by cold pressing, practices that support extra virgin quality and consistent characteristics.
The 2026 Gold adds to OPG Birin’s record at the NYIOOC, where the Croatian producer has earned three Gold and two Silver awards.
The NYIOOC Gold places Mediterano among the world’s elite extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, OPG Birin ranks #20 in Croatia, #74 in the Northern Hemisphere and #78 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.