The Croatian organic producer’s medium-intensity Istrian Bjelica earned another top distinction in New York, adding to a long record of NYIOOC honors.
Olive Oil Times |
Vodnjan, Croatia — Stancija St. Antonio has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for San Antonio Istarska Bjelica.
San Antonio Istarska Bjelica is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity. Made exclusively from the Istrian Bjelica cultivar in southern Istria, the oil is distinguished by an assertive green character, with artichoke and leafy aromas, a thread of arugula and green almond, and a finishing lift of black pepper.
Stancija St. Antonio produces certified organic extra virgin olive oil exclusively from olives grown in its own groves in southern Istria. With a focus on indigenous varieties adapted to the peninsula’s Mediterranean climate, Stancija St. Antonio has built its portfolio around oils that emphasize local character and careful farming, earning repeated international recognition over multiple seasons, including Gold Awards at the NYIOOC.
The 2026 Gold continues a strong competition record for Stancija St. Antonio at the NYIOOC, where the producer has earned 10 Gold and three Silver awards overall. Stancija St. Antonio collected two Gold Awards in 2023 and two more in 2022, followed by a Gold and a Silver in 2020 and again in 2019. Earlier results included two Gold Awards in 2018 and a Gold and a Silver in 2017.
When Croatia prepared to join the Eurozone and the Schengen Area in early 2023, Stancija St. Antonio cited the practical impact of closer integration with European markets, particularly for trade within the currency union. Marina Božac Marjanović, the award-winning producer behind Stancija St. Antonio, said the switch to the euro was expected to simplify export procedures to other Eurozone members and support broader sales in those countries, while having less effect on exports beyond the bloc.
The NYIOOC Gold places San Antonio Istarska Bjelica among the world’s elite extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, Stancija St. Antonio is ranked #27 in Croatia, #82 in the Northern Hemisphere and #84 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.