The Croatian cooperative earned its fourth NYIOOC Gold with a medium-intensity blend of Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino and Istarska Bjelica.
Olive Oil Times |
Pula, Croatia — PZ Maslinari Istre has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Konfin brand.
"It was with great joy that we received the news of winning the gold medal again this year. This year, perhaps with even greater joy, considering that for the first time we sent our organic oil to the competition. This award has exceptional meaning for us and once again demonstrates that even associations with multiple members, from different parts of Istria and with different terroirs, can produce top-quality olive oils. I dedicate the award to all our cooperative members and their families.," said Saša Ukušić, Upravitelj zadruge at PZ Maslinari Istre.
Konfin is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity, crafted from Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino and Istarska Bjelica. The blend is distinguished by a bright, leafy character that recalls arugula and unripe fruit, with cool eucalyptus and mint aromatics that carry through to a clean, fresh finish.
Founded at the end of 2019, PZ Maslinari Istre was established as Istria’s first olive growers’ cooperative. With members farming olive groves across the Istrian peninsula, the cooperative focuses exclusively on premium extra virgin olive oils and has built an international competition record in a short time.
The 2026 Gold brings PZ Maslinari Istre’s overall NYIOOC record to four Gold Awards, adding to Golds earned in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The NYIOOC Gold places Konfin among the world’s elite extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, PZ Maslinari Istre is ranked #22 in Croatia, #77 in the Northern Hemisphere and #79 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.