The Šolta growers’ association earned Gold for Šoltansko Maslinovo Ulje and Šoltansko Maslinovo Ulje Blend, continuing a strong record at the World Competition.
Olive Oil Times |
Šolta, Croatia — Zlatna Šoltanka has been awarded two Golds at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for Šoltansko Maslinovo Ulje and Šoltansko Maslinovo Ulje Blend.
Zlatna Šoltanka earned a Gold for Šoltansko Maslinovo Ulje, a medium-intensity monovarietal made from Soltanka, also known as Levantinka. Zlatna Šoltanka also earned a Gold for Šoltansko Maslinovo Ulje Blend, a medium-intensity oil made from Oblica.
Across the two award-winning expressions, Zlatna Šoltanka’s oils are distinguished by herbaceous aromas and a clean, peppery bite, with unripe character and radish-like pungency accented by pink pepper tones.
Zlatna Šoltanka is an association of 20 olive oil producers from the island of Šolta in Croatia’s central Dalmatian archipelago. Formed in 2011, Zlatna Šoltanka was created to help small family farms on the rocky Adriatic island reach broader markets while maintaining a focus on superior quality products, environmental protection and local development.
The association has also been closely connected to the protection of origin on the island. In October 2016, olive oil from Šolta received Protected Designation of Origin status at the European Union level under the appellation “Šoltansko maslinovo ulje,” affirming that the oil is produced, processed and prepared within a specific geographical area and in line with defined requirements.
Zlatna Šoltanka first drew international attention at the NYIOOC in 2017, when the association’s joint entry won a Gold Award and placed Šoltansko maslinovo ulje on the global stage. In keeping with longstanding island practices described by Zlatna Šoltanka at the time, the fruit is hand picked on terrain where mechanization is difficult, with growers removing leaves and discarding damaged fruit before processing and bottling on Šolta to support consistency and authenticity.
The 2026 recognition adds to a long-running performance at the World Competition. Zlatna Šoltanka’s full NYIOOC history now totals 12 awards, including nine Golds and three Silvers, with results spanning from 2017 through 2026.
The two Golds also strengthen Zlatna Šoltanka’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where Zlatna Šoltanka is ranked #7 in Croatia, #49 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.