The Gay Farmer Picual earned a Gold and The Gay Farmer Arbequina received a Silver in the world’s leading olive oil quality contest.
Olive Oil Times |
Murcia, Spain — The Gay Farmer has been awarded a Silver at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for The Gay Farmer Arbequina brand.
In the same edition of the competition, The Gay Farmer also earned a Gold for The Gay Farmer Picual, marking a double recognition for the producer’s Spanish extra virgin olive oils.
The Gay Farmer Arbequina is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity, produced from Arbequina olives. The oil is distinguished by delicate notes of chamomile and flowers, alongside impressions of wheat and dry fruit, with pine seed nuances that add aromatic lift.
The Gay Farmer Picual, also a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil, is produced from the Picual cultivar. The Gold award underscores the producer’s ability to deliver quality across distinct varietal expressions.
Mark, known as The Gay Farmer, has been producing extra virgin olive oil since 2008 on his mother’s smallholding in Murcia. Since then, he has worked with one of the oldest family-run organic estates in Jaén, Andalusia, producing organic extra virgin olive oils that have received multiple awards at international competitions, including the NYIOOC.
“We aim to inspire through the use of organic, biodynamic, sustainable farming methods and the use of ethical, traceable produce,” said Mark, The Gay Farmer. “While caring and respecting others and this beautiful planet we live on for generations to come.”
The 2026 results build on an established record at the World Olive Oil Competition. Across all years, The Gay Farmer has earned two Gold and three Silver awards, for five total NYIOOC distinctions, including a Silver in 2025, a Gold in 2022 and a Silver in 2019.
The new Gold and Silver awards place The Gay Farmer among the most highly ranked producers in the annual Olive Oil Times World Ranking, positioned at #1 in the United Kingdom, #83 in the Northern Hemisphere and #86 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.