The Croatian producer earned its first Gold award at the world’s leading olive oil quality contest for a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil.
Olive Oil Times |
Biograd na Moru, Croatia — OPG Ivan Birkić has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Birkic brand.
Birkic is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity. The oil is distinguished by fresh herbaceous character, green almond and green tomato, with a subtle anise note adding lift and complexity.
Located near Biograd na Moru in Zadar County, Dalmatia, OPG Ivan Birkić cultivates olives in a grove set close to the Adriatic coast. About 300 meters from the sea and on a gentle 12-degree slope, the site benefits from frequent coastal winds that promote air circulation across the trees.
The 2026 Gold expands OPG Ivan Birkić’s record at the NYIOOC to two total awards, following a Silver in 2025.
The NYIOOC Gold places Birkic among the world’s elite extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, OPG Ivan Birkić is ranked #34 in Croatia, #93 in the Northern Hemisphere and #97 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.