OPG Rakovac Wins Again in New York

Croatian producer OPG Rakovac won a Gold Award at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the world's most prestigious olive oil quality contest.

Naturally, we are overwhelmed and proud. It means a lot to us to receive such a high prize for our Bilini extra virgin olive oil, and is true recognition of our hard work and all the effort.

Vedrana Rakovac, owner

Situated in the northwestern region of Istria, the company earned its sixth World Competition award in seven years for its Bilini brand, a medium-intensity blend.

"This is our sixth Gold Award at the NYIOOC," said owner Vedrana Rakovac. "Naturally, we are overwhelmed and proud. It means a lot to us to receive such a high prize for our Bilini extra virgin olive oil, and is true recognition of our hard work and all the effort."

In the 2023/24 crop year, OPG Rakovac produced 1,300 liters of extra virgin olive oil using traditional methods from 600 Frantoio, Leccino, Buza, Bjelica and Pendolino olive trees.

"The last harvest was challenging due to climate change, which caused constant rain during the harvest," Rakovac said. "Out of the 11 days during which the harvest was done, only one day was dry."

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is the world's preeminent olive oil quality contest. Its annual list of award winners is the authoritative guide to the world's best olive oils and the dedicated producers who craft them.

The complete list of winners can be viewed in the Official Guide to the World's Best Olive Oils.