The Brač-based family estate earned international recognition for its medium-intensity Croatian extra virgin olive oil
Olive Oil Times |
Brač, Croatia — OPG Maras has been awarded a Silver at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Vale Estates brand.
Vale Estates is a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil made from Oblica and Soltanka/Levantinka olives. The oil is distinguished by a smooth, buttery opening that gives way to artichoke and fresh herb notes, followed by a clean peppery finish that lingers on the palate.
OPG Maras is a small family estate dedicated to producing premium extra virgin olive oil from groves on the island of Brač. Harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand and only by members of the family, with the aim of maintaining careful handling from tree to mill. Soltanka and Oblica olives are cold-extracted within hours of harvest, a process intended to preserve freshness and aromatic clarity.
With 80 trees and limited annual production, OPG Maras focuses on a close, hands-on approach that emphasizes consistency and attention to detail. The NYIOOC recognition further underscores the estate’s effort to translate the character of Brač’s growing conditions into a finely balanced extra virgin olive oil.
The 2026 NYIOOC Silver places Vale Estates among the world’s most highly regarded extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, OPG Maras is ranked #58 in Croatia, #126 in the Northern Hemisphere and #129 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.