Surprising awards for the best extra virgin olive oils from Tarragona

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food celebrated on April 2 the Aliments d'Espanya awards for the best extra virgin olive oils of the 2025-2026 campaign, an award that since 1997 recognizes the quality and innovation of the producers of this highly prized liquid. This edition has placed special focus on one of the most emerging denominations: Tarragona.

The awards, divided into four categories and a special prize, include modalities as diverse as bitter green fruity, sweet green, ripe, and organic, with an official jury formed by the Ministry’s Official Panel of Tasters. The tension was palpable, as Tarragona was competing strongly with other traditional giants such as Jaén and Córdoba.

Awards and featured categories

The awards are distributed in different categories depending on the type of oil from conventional or organic production. This year, the award for the best ripe fruity oil went to the Protected Designation of Origin Siurana, from Tarragona, specifically to Centre Oleícola del Penedés, SCCL, in Llorenç del Penedès. This recognition is no small matter, as the other two finalists in this category also came from the same DO Siurana and from the same region, Baix Camp.

Details of the Tarragona winners

• Ripe fruity award: Centre Oleícola del Penedés, Llorenç del Penedès.
• Finalists: Olis Solé, Mont-roig del Camp, and Agrícola de Montbrío del Camp, Montbrió del Camp.

Modalities and winners from other areas

In other categories, Jaén and Córdoba maintain the lead, standing out in the bitter green fruity and sweet green fruity. Thus, Agrícola de Bailén Virgen de Zocueca (Jaén) has won both the bitter green fruity category and the special prize for the best extra virgin olive oil, while Almazaras de la Subbética (Córdoba) triumphed in the sweet green fruity and organic modalities.

Evaluation and selection process

Jury and criteria

The jury, made up of the Official Panel of Tasters and authorized tasters from other Administration groups, conducts rigorous sensory tests and physicochemical controls. This ensures that only oils meeting the highest standards receive recognition.

Impact of the awards

These awards not only serve to recognize quality but also promote the marketing and commercialization of the awarded oils. According to Ministry representatives, this type of recognition helps consolidate the international reputation of local DOs and PGIs.

The importance of Tarragona and Jaén in Spanish olive oil

Tarragona: a rising territory

The prominent presence of Tarragona in this edition confirms the evolution of this area as a producer of high-level oils, especially within DO Siurana. The award for ripe fruity oil shows the quality and unique character of these oils which, according to experts, offer more complex and balanced nuances.

Jaén: historical and current reference

Meanwhile, Jaén maintains its hegemony in key categories, reaffirming its status as the world capital of olive oil. The success of Agrícola de Bailén, both in the special prize and in the bitter green fruity category, is a calling card for lovers of good oil who seek authenticity and tradition.

Ultimately, this edition of the awards highlights the healthy competition between Tarragona, Jaén, and Córdoba, which despite having different styles and approaches, share the goal of guaranteeing the highest quality and expression in the star product of Mediterranean gastronomy.

Furthermore, it is interesting to remember that olive oil is not only a basic element of cuisine but also a health and cultural asset increasingly valued in depth by consumers.

Finally, it should be noted that extra virgin olive oil is not just an ingredient, but the final touch that can transform any dish into a unique gastronomic experience, a reason that makes these awards even more valuable.

The recently awarded prizes confirm that tradition and innovation continue to go hand in hand in this sector, with territories like Tarragona positioning themselves as emerging references alongside historic heavyweights such as Jaén and Córdoba.