Big news from our groves in Messinia, Greece: Neolea Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been awarded Gold at the 2020 New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) — the world’s most respected stage for olive oil.
Why this matters
NYIOOC is where the best producers meet the sharpest palates. A renowned panel of experts evaluates each oil with uncompromising standards, and a Gold medal signals one thing: exceptional quality from fruit to bottle.
What the judges tasted
Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil was recognized as delicate with notes of:
- banana
- fig leaf
- radish
- ripe olive
A clean, layered profile that lifts everyday cooking — from crisp salads to slow-simmered dishes — without overpowering the moment at the table.
How we got here
This Gold is a tribute to the people behind the bottle: our growers, mill partners, and team in the Messinia region. We work closely, harvest at the right moment, and protect freshness at every step. Quality isn’t our finish line; it’s our baseline.
From our founder
Bart Jan Manten, Founder & CEO:
“At Neolea we move to our own rhythm, and it’s energizing to see more people catch the beat — sommeliers included. Markets may not always reward quality first, but we believe everyone can taste the difference. For us, excellence isn’t a goal. It’s the standard.”
A milestone year
The 2020 competition went fully digital across five days — a first — with complete results and tasting notes published by the organizers. You can explore the details of the winners and judges’ notes on Best Olive Oils.
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