The Croatian producer earned top honors for a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil made from Istria Buza olives in western Istria.
Olive Oil Times |
Western Istria, Croatia — Tree Drops d.o.o. has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Saint's Drop brand.
Saint's Drop is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity, produced from Istria Buza olives. Marked by notes of artichoke and green almond, Saint's Drop also carries thyme and leafy aromatics, with an unripe green character that underscores its freshness.
In the heart of western Istria, Tree Drops d.o.o. produces Saint’s Drop from six hectares of rich red soil planted with 1,600 trees. Alongside Buža, the groves include Istarska Bjelica, Rožinjola and Pendolino, a mix of indigenous varieties cultivated within a modern, sustainability-minded approach that draws on the region’s long olive-growing tradition.
The NYIOOC Gold places Saint's Drop among the world's elite extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, Tree Drops d.o.o. is ranked #59 in Croatia, #126 in the Northern Hemisphere and #127 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.