The Spanish cooperative’s Picual extra virgin olive oil earned a Silver Award, adding to a decade-long record of recognition in New York.
Olive Oil Times |
Sierra de Cazorla, Spain — SCA Ecologica la Olivilla has been awarded a Silver at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Dehesa de la Sabina brand.
Dehesa de la Sabina is a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil made from the Picual cultivar. The oil is distinguished by crisp notes of radish and arugula, followed by a bright lift of green tomato that carries through the finish.
For SCA Ecologica la Olivilla, the 2026 Silver extends a long-running record at the World Competition: nine Gold and three Silver awards overall. The cooperative has earned awards in multiple editions, including Gold Awards from 2016 through 2025, alongside Silver Awards in 2015 and 2019.
Founded by a group of neighboring farmers in the Sierra de Cazorla, SCA Ecologica la Olivilla emerged from a shared effort to confront serious challenges in the groves, including the decline of centuries-old olive trees and a broader loss of biodiversity. Members of the cooperative took courses in organic farming and began working together to restore ecological balance in their orchards, linking quality goals with a wider commitment to environmental stewardship.
That approach has included measures to encourage wildlife back into the groves and strengthen the orchard ecosystem. In earlier efforts to reverse the disappearance of birds and insects from the landscape, the farmers installed birdhouses and insect habitats and partnered with local schools to involve students in building and placing them. The cooperative has also emphasized the role of ground cover and diverse vegetation in supporting soil health, nutrient cycling and a more resilient growing environment.
Alongside its agronomic work, SCA Ecologica la Olivilla has articulated a three-part mission: producing high-quality olive oils, establishing environmentally respectful production systems and defending rural life.
The 2026 NYIOOC recognition adds to the cooperative’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where SCA Ecologica la Olivilla is ranked #13 in Spain, #48 in the Northern Hemisphere and #50 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.