The Portuguese producer earned top honors for a medium-intensity Cobrancosa extra virgin olive oil from Alentejo roots
Olive Oil Times |
Alentejo, Portugal — José Maria Eugénio de Almeida LDA has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Verde Sol brand.
Verde Sol is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity made from Cobrancosa olives. The oil is distinguished by an herb-forward aroma lifted by floral tones, followed by walnut notes and a measured bitterness that recalls chicory, with pepper arriving steadily on the finish.
José Maria Eugénio de Almeida LDA traces its work to the Alentejo countryside, where the founder learned olive growing from his grandfather and father. In recent years, he has focused entirely on the olive groves and established Verde Sol to apply the experience gained across generations.
“My roots are in the Alentejo,” said the producer, founder at José Maria Eugénio de Almeida LDA. “I was born and raised in the countryside, where I learned about olive growing from my grandfather and my father. In recent years, I have dedicated myself entirely to the olive groves and decided to create my own brand to apply everything I have learned. My goal is to bring the best possible product to consumers. The brand has not been officially launched yet, so access to our website and Instagram is currently restricted.”
The NYIOOC Gold places Verde Sol among the world’s elite extra virgin olive oils. In the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, José Maria Eugénio de Almeida LDA is ranked #33 in Portugal, #127 in the Northern Hemisphere and #129 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.