While Slovenia's production fell 20 percent below average, two producers overcame inclement weather and pests to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
Two Slovenian producers have reason to celebrate after a slightly below-average harvest in the 2023/24 crop year.
In the first three weeks of the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the producers behind Morgan earned a Gold Award, while Villa Eva took home a Silver Award.
We have no problems with sales. The awards at the NYIOOC increase our recognition at the local and global level and help promote our region.- Franc Morgan, award-winning producer
Overall, the NYIOOC, which will continue to announce winners through May, received six entries from the European Union’s smallest olive oil producer.
European Commission data show that Slovenia produced 500 tons of olive oil in 2023/24, 20 percent below the five-year average.
See Also:2024 NYIOOC Updates“It is a great honor for our family,” said Franc Morgan, one the country’s most successful producers at the World Competition.
The company’s Cuvvee brand, a medium-intensity blend of organic Istrska Belica, Leccino, Maurino, Moraiolo and Rosciola olives, won its seventh Gold Award at the competition since 2017.
“Our oils are harmonious. They are characterized by their freshness, fruitiness and intense taste,” Morgan said.
The almost ideal fruit-growing location also contributes to the quality. The Morgan family’s olive grove comprises 1,200 trees located 230 meters above sea level in the pristine natural environment surrounding Grintovec, in the southwestern corner of Slovenia, near the Adriatic Sea.
The whole family is involved in all the work, with Morgan’s wife, Silvana, his daughters, Jenny and Ariana, and their husbands and children all participating in the harvest.
“Olives are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and immediately processed at the Santomas oil mill in Šmarje,” Jenny Morgan said.
Immediately after milling, the oil is stored in stainless steel tanks under inert gas to “maintain the maximum quality of the oil throughout the year,” Morgan said.
The Gold Award has given the Morgan family a chance to breathe a sigh of relief after overcoming a demanding year marked by bad weather, including rain, wind and hail, followed by extreme summer heat and the emergence of pests, including the olive fruit fly.
While the family maintained quality, they said that quantity had suffered, producing about 30 percent less than in previous years.
“On average, we produce between 4,000 and 4,500 liters,” Franc Morgan said. “We have no problems with sales. The awards at the NYIOOC increase our recognition at the local and global level and help promote our region.”
Recently, they started exporting their oils to Austria, Germany, Japan and the United States. They are convinced that their business can only go forward because, as Jenny Morgan said, “they do what they love, and they love what they do.”
More articles on: NYIOOC World, NYIOOC World 2024, olive oil competitions
May. 6, 2024
Three Veterans of the Croatian War of Independence Craft Award-Winning Olive Oils
For the third straight year, the producers behind Oleum Maris have won four Gold Awards at the NYIOOC. Now, they are working to expand tourism offerings and exports.
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.
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.
Nov. 29, 2023
Chilean Producer Bets Big on Italian Varieties
Olivos Ruta del Sol takes advantage of Chile’s terroir to produce some of the country's best extra virgin olive oils.
Jun. 10, 2024
Farmers in Greece Witness the Impacts of Climate Change After Historically Low Harvest
Farmers and millers throughout Greece have reported that climate change is making it increasingly difficult to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
May. 28, 2024
Greek Producers Celebrate Successful Finish to Historically Low Harvest
Farmers and millers in Greece earned 56 awards at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition after the worst harvest in a decade.
Sep. 28, 2023
Precise Irrigation Key to Long-Term Productivity
A drought-resistant crop, olives still need adequate watering. Researchers are optimizing irrigation to improve yield and quality.
Aug. 2, 2023
Education Vital to Success of Turkey’s Olive Oil Sector, Award-Winning Producer Says
After winning 10 awards at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the producers behind Oliva Malia are keen to share the secrets of their success.