The 10^th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition (ATHENA IOOC) concluded with record-breaking participation and significant international recognition. This year, the event was held in the historic city of Chania, Crete, from May 8 to 10, 2025.

For the first time in its ten-year history, the competition received 640 entries from 25 countries, with 53% of the olive oils coming from abroad—a fact that confirms ATHENA IOOC’s growing global reputation and prestige. Countries such as Malaysia and Uzbekistan made their debut, while a 30-member international judging panel of the highest caliber evaluated olive oils from the world’s most important olive-producing regions.

The panel consisted of renowned expert tasters from 13 countries — Brazil, the United States, Spain, Israel, Italy, Croatia, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Turkey, Tunisia, Chile, and Greece — ensuring a fair and reliable evaluation process. Judging took place at the Center of Mediterranean Architecture (CAM), in the Great Arsenal of Chania, under optimal conditions and exclusively during the morning hours of each competition day.

Choosing Chania for the 10^th anniversary event held symbolic meaning, emphasizing the area's deep connection with the olive tree and olive oil. With 8.2 million olive trees and annual production exceeding 26.000 tons, Chania’s olive groves are among the largest and most significant in Greece. Their distinctive architecture and centuries-old trees drew the attention of all ATHENA judges.

Alongside the competition, two major open events took place for professionals and the general public: The Chania Regional Unit’s Branded Olive Oil Exhibition at the “Mikis Theodorakis” Theater (May 7), where 18 local producers showcased 40 premium olive oils for tasting, and a roundtable discussion on “Greek Olive Oil Exports Prospects” at the Center for Mediterranean Architecture (May 10). During this event, top international experts and judges shared valuable insights on global markets and the export potential of Greek olive oils.

The competition jury awarded 49 Double Gold Medals (including 9 to Greek olive oils), 171 Gold Medals (including 50 to Greek olive oils), 115 Silver Medals (including 61 to Greek olive oils), and 84 Bronze Medals (including 55 to Greek olive oils). The prestigious “Best of Show” award was presented for the second consecutive year to the outstanding Marcum Coratina, produced in California, USA, from the Coratina variety and the Marcum Olive company. As for Greek entries, the top-performing Greek olive oil was Laconiko, produced by the same-named company from Laconia, made from the Koroneiki variety. It was not only the best Greek olive oil of the competition in that category but also the top-ranked Koroneiki olive oil worldwide.

The award ceremony took place on June 7 at the Atrium of the Zappeion Megaron in Athens. Celebrating ATHENA’s 10^th anniversary, the event was attended in person by olive oil producers from around the world—North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe—making the occasion truly special and memorable.

ATHENA IOOC 2025 was held under the auspices of the Ministries of Rural Development & Food and Tourism. It was co-organized with Vinetum Event Management Company, the Region of Crete, the Regional Union of Municipalities of Crete, the Chania Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Municipalities of Chania, Platanias, Apokoronas, Kissamos, Kantanos-Selino, and Sfakia, the Regional Development Company of Crete, and the Association of Olive Oil Producing Municipalities of Crete.