The eleventh edition of the world’s largest and most prestigious olive oil quality contest ended Monday when the final winners from the Southern Hemisphere division were revealed.

Group of people participating in olive harvesting under trees with nets on the ground. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Oct. 16, 2023

Olive Trees on Public Land Provide Bountiful Harvest for Italian Locals

A growing number of local authorities encourage local citizens and schools to harvest abandoned olive trees on public lands.

Glass bottle of olive oil surrounded by fresh tomatoes and basil on a wooden cutting board. - Olive Oil Times

Sep. 28, 2023 Health

Hydroxytyrosol May Help Prevent Colon Cancer Spread, Research Suggests

Industrial conveyor belt system with multiple inclined belts and metal framework. - Olive Oil Times

Sep. 28, 2023 News Briefs

Olive Oil Production Expected to Fall Below 1M Tons in Spain

A man with a beard driving a tractor through an olive grove with trees in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Sep. 26, 2023 Food & Cooking

The Story Behind Starbucks Oleato

A solitary olive tree with lush green leaves in an orchard setting under a clear sky. - Olive Oil Times

Sep. 26, 2023 Production

A Successful Harvest in South Africa Amid Rolling Blackouts

A branch with several olives in varying shades of green and purple hanging from it. - Olive Oil Times

Sep. 26, 2023 World

How Monovarietal Olive Oils Promote Ecological Farming, Safeguard Landscapes

Small waterfall flowing over moss-covered rocks in a forested area. - Olive Oil Times

Opinions

Sep. 26, 2023

Study Reveals Deep Faults in Carbon Credits; Olive Trees May Present a Solution

While some forest preservation projects generate millions more carbon credits than they should, traditional olive growers are missing out on a potential revenue stream.

Olive trees in a grove surrounded by standing water and fallen leaves after rainfall. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Sep. 25, 2023

Olive Farmers in Puglia Face Catastrophic Harvest After Autumn Storms

The damage to the southern Italian region’s olive trees is expected to drive up prices in the short term and lower production in future harvests.

A woman gesturing while speaking at a podium during an event with a purple background. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Sep. 25, 2023

E.U. Chief Promises Strategic Dialogue with Farmers

Despite the pledge, analysts point out that Ursula von der Leyen expressed no clear intention in her speech to boost the E.U.’s initiatives on sustainability and climate neutrality.

Vast vineyard landscape featuring rows of young vines with protective white covers in the soil. - Olive Oil Times

Producer Profiles

Sep. 19, 2023

Data Will Define Next 25 Years at California Olive Ranch, CEO Says

California Olive Ranch grew from a single olive farm to the largest producer in the United States. Now, the company plans to harness the power of data to keep growing.

Various bottles of olive oil displayed on a supermarket shelf with pricing labels. - Olive Oil Times

World

Sep. 14, 2023

Olive Oil Prices Soar on Drought and Poor Harvests, Impacting Consumers Worldwide

Olive oil prices are soaring due to drought and poor harvests in major producing countries with varying impacts in different regions.

Close-up image of oil droplets on a yellow background with a focus circle overlay. - Olive Oil Times

Health

Sep. 13, 2023

Researchers Use AI to Identify the Olive Oil Compounds that Affect Alzheimer’s

Using a machine learning algorithm, researchers identified ten compounds in extra virgin olive oil that act like pharmaceutical treatments for dementia.

A close-up of a hand holding dark, rich soil with dirt particles visible. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Sep. 13, 2023

California Olive Farmers Embrace Regenerative Agriculture to Combat Climate Challenges

After the initial investment, California farmers say regenerative farming practices enhance soil health, fight pests and improve oil quality.

Individual in a yellow vest planting an olive tree sapling in dry soil with a shovel. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Sep. 11, 2023

Cultivating Hope in Palestine

A nongovernmental organization seeks to plant 50,000 olive trees across Gaza and the West Bank to improve the economic outlook of Palestinians.

Aerial view of a neatly arranged olive tree plantation with rows of trees. - Olive Oil Times

Opinions

Sep. 7, 2023

Better Soil Management Can Save Mediterranean Olive Groves

It feels like climate change has arrived, and the olive oil industry might be first in the firing line. Luckily, we already know what to do.

Aerial view of a forested area with a mix of trees, some appearing bare and others green. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Sep. 6, 2023

Europe’s Evolving Fight Against Xylella Fastidiosa

Early detection across the European Union remains at the forefront of the struggle against the bacterium as officials are hopeful about new research, methods and tools.

A market scene featuring various fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish arranged in wooden crates. - Olive Oil Times

Health

Aug. 31, 2023

Higher Consumption of Polyphenols Linked to Lower Risk of Contracting Covid-19

Healthy adults who consumed phenols and plant sterols, some of which are present in olive oil, were less likely to contract Covid-19.

Live

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.

Firefighters using a hose to extinguish flames in a forested area during a wildfire. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Aug. 29, 2023

No Respite in Greece as Wildfires Incinerate Ancient Olive Groves in Makri

Wildfires continue to wreak havoc in rural Greece, partially destroying the traditional Makri olive grove and leaving local producers in despair.

News Briefs

Aug. 24, 2023

Best Southern Hemisphere Olive Oils to Be Unveiled

The first winners will be announced on Monday, September 4th at 9:00 AM (EDT).

A group of individuals seated in an olive grove participating in a meditation session. - Olive Oil Times

Health

Aug. 10, 2023

'Lucky' Olive Tree Leads Mindfulness Sessions in Italy

In Molise, an innovative project aims at reducing the level of stress, anxiety and depression with the support of augmented reality and a historic olive tree.