Santiago, Chile has been chosen as the host city for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere Sol D’Oro competition during the week of September 29. The event will mark the first time in its 12-year history that the Verona, Italy-based competition moves beyond its borders to recognize New World extra virgin olive oils on their home turf.
Led by Panel Cata Chile Association with support from the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, the competition will adhere to the standards established by the Italian version.
Like with the Italian competition, participants from the Southern Hemisphere will submit oils to be judged by a jury of experts. Submissions are divided into two main categories, Extra Virgin and Organic, which are further subdivided into Delicate, Average and Intense Fruit.
Within these categories the Sol de Oro (Gold Medal), Sol de Plata (Silver Medal), and Sol de Bronce (Bronze Medal) will be awarded, along with seven honorable mentions. The winners will be featured at next year’s Sol&Agrifood show in Verona as part of Vinitaly.
“The Southern Hemisphere Sol D’Oro will provide a showcase for the best extra virgin olive oils from this part of the world. Producers from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile will have the opportunity to promote their products internationally with the seal of quality that only Sol D’Oro can offer,” said José Mingo, president of Panel Cata Chile, in a press release.
“In recent versions of Sol D’Oro in Verona, the oils from the Southern Hemisphere have already begun to stand out for their quality,” said Ettore Riello, president of Veronafiere, the organization behind Sol D’Oro.
Related Articles
Apr. 27, 2023
A Record-Breaking Year for Producers in Turkey
After becoming the world’s second-largest producing country, Turkish producers upped their quality too.
Nov. 27, 2023
South African Producers Celebrate Quality After Season Marred by Blackouts
Seven producers from South Africa’s Western Cape combined to win a record-high 16 awards at the world’s largest olive oil quality competition.
Mar. 19, 2024
Growers in Croatia Await Contest Results
Industry advocates and producers see the NYIOOC as a way to showcase Croatia's quality and combat adulteration and fraud.
Jun. 21, 2023
Andalusian Producers Achieve Outstanding Quality After Disastrous Harvest
After the smallest harvest in more than a decade, producers in Spain earned their fourth-highest award count at the World Olive Oil Competition.
Oct. 23, 2023
Australians Overcome Cold, Wet Harvest to Win in New York
Producers in Australia earned fifteen awards at the 2023 NYIOOC after a chilly, damp harvest reduced their yield.
May. 18, 2023
Triumph of Northern Italian Producers Rooted in Profound Bond with the Land
Farrmers in five northern Italian regions overcame drought to achieve another year of high-quality extra virgin olive oil production.
Apr. 18, 2024
Croatian Ag Minister Applauds Country’s Most Awarded Producer
With four more honors at the 2024 World Olive Oil Competition, Avistria is Croatia's most decorated producer..
Aug. 29, 2023
World Olive Oil Competition Southern Hemisphere Live Updates
The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is unveiling award winners in the Southern Hemisphere division of the annual quality contest. Olive Oil Times writers around the world are covering the results and reactions.