The historic grounds of Sparta hosted the 9^th edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition from April 25 to 27, 2024, featuring 535 olive oil samples from 23 countries. Despite numerous global challenges during the growing season, the 2024 event saw a slight increase in participation (+2%) and maintained a high level of competitive quality.

The Best of Show award at the competition went to Marcum Estate Coratina (Marcum Olive) from California, USA, showcasing the growing strength of New World olive-growing regions. Hailing from Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, and made from the Italian variety Coratina, this marked the first time an olive oil from North America received the top honor at ATHENA IOOC.

Of the 535 oils evaluated, 62% came from abroad and 38% from Greece. Entries represented all continents, underscoring the competition’s international prestige once again. The judging panel consisted of 30 world-renowned olive oil experts from 13 countries, with one-third being Greek. Following competition rules, at least half of the judges were women.

The evaluation concluded with the awarding of 364 medals, including 105 to Greek olive oils: 40 Double Gold (4 Greek), 169 Gold (27 Greek), 94 Silver (40 Greek), and 61 Bronze (36 Greek).

The top Greek olive oil of the year was Krissa by Cretan Heritage from Chania, made from the traditional and less common Tsounati variety. With a score above 95%, it received a Double Gold Medal for the first time in the competition’s history for this variety, confirming the value of oils from less dominant cultivars and the important role of ATHENA IOOC in promoting them.

From the Koroneiki variety —ranked second or third worldwide by cultivation— the competition’s best olive oil was Azeite Sabiá Koroneiki from Brazil (Fazenda Casa Marchio). The top Greek Koroneiki olive oil was Terra Creta Grand Cru by Melissa-Kikizas company, from Chania, Crete.

This year’s event took place at the Mystras Grand Palace Hotel, co-organized by Vinetum Event Management, the Region of Peloponnese, and under the auspices of the Municipality of Sparta and the Laconia Chamber of Commerce. Selecting Laconia as the venue was a perfect fit given its olive-growing reputation, with 14 million olive trees and 65% of its arable land devoted to olives.