ATHENA IOOC

ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition: A Decade of Excellence

The ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition (ATHENA IOOC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary this 2025, solidifying its place as a premier event in the global olive oil industry.

This year, the competition will take place in Chania, Crete, from May 8th to 10th, a region deeply intertwined with olive cultivation for over 5,000 years. This selection of venue underscores ATHENA IOOC’s tradition of highlighting different significant olive-growing regions within Greece each year, promoting the country’s rich olive oil heritage and its varied indigenous olive varieties.

ATHENA IOOC prides itself on its meticulous evaluation process. Samples are judged blind by a panel of esteemed international tasters, ensuring impartiality and a global perspective. Notably, the competition maintains a high ratio of judges to samples, allowing for thorough assessment under optimal morning conditions. This dedication to quality has earned ATHENA IOOC the respect of producers worldwide, with a significant percentage of entries consistently originating from countries outside of Greece.

Beyond the competition itself, ATHENA IOOC actively engages with the culinary world. Renowned Greek chefs participate as „guest tasters,“ fostering a stronger connection between top-tier olive oils and the country’s haute cuisine. Additionally, the event often includes exhibitions and tasting opportunities for both industry professionals and the public, further promoting olive oil culture and appreciation.

As ATHENA IOOC embarks on its second decade, it continues to evolve, attracting a growing number of participants and reinforcing its reputation as a leading international olive oil competition. Its unique approach, combining rigorous evaluation with a celebration of Greek olive oil heritage, makes it a significant platform for recognizing and promoting excellence in the global olive oil landscape. The anticipation is high for the upcoming results on May 23rd, as the world awaits to discover which olive oils will be honored at this distinguished competition.