Japan Opens Registration for Olive Japan 2026 World Olive Oil Award

Olive Japan Consolidates its Position as One of the World's Most Prestigious Olive Oil Competitions

Olive Japan has solidified its status as one of the world's most prestigious olive oil competitions, setting new records during its 2025 edition with the participation of 803 extra virgin and infused olive oils from 29 countries. This impressive figure represents the largest international participation since the contest began in 2012. Furthermore, the results were extraordinary, with 590 extra virgin olive oils awarded and a total of 594 medals granted.

With the success of Olive Japan 2025 still resonating, registration for Olive Japan 2026 is already open, promising to be even more special. For the first time, the contest will include a table olives competition, thereby expanding its reach and influence in the olive world. During this new edition, extra virgin olive oils and oils with added flavors will continue to be evaluated, maintaining our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism that have characterized this international competition since its inception.

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Japan Opens Registration for Olive Japan 2026

The Japan Olive Oil Sommelier Association has officially launched the call for entries for Olive Japan 2026, the prestigious international competition that evaluates the quality of extra virgin olive oils from around the world. This event, which will hold its next edition in June 2026, opens its registration in mid-November 2025, with significant new features and opportunities for international producers.

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Official Competition Announcement

The fifteenth edition of Olive Japan brings with it a significant new feature: the inclusion of a specific competition for table olives. This expansion reflects the growing interest in all olive-derived products in the Asian market. The organizers have established two main participation categories:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Oils with Added Flavors Class: With a participation fee of 280 euros or 320 US dollars per brand.
• Table Olives Class: With a registration cost of 300 euros per brand.

For both categories, the organizers offer a special "buy 4 and get 1 free" promotion, allowing for every four products registered, a fifth product to participate at no additional cost.

The official calendar establishes key dates for participants:

• Registration Opens: Mid-November 2025
• Evaluation Session: Late May 2026
• Results Announcement: June 12, 2026

The deadline for sending samples will be mid-May 2025, and all participants must strictly comply with shipping requirements to ensure their products are evaluated properly.

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Who Can Participate and How to Register

Olive Japan 2026 is open to various players in the international olive industry. Eligible participants include:

• Individual producers
• Producer associations
• Cooperatives
• Authorized distributors

A fundamental requirement is that the extra virgin olive oils must correspond to the 2024/25 harvest and be commercially available on the market. This guarantees that the products evaluated are the same ones available to consumers.

The registration process consists of several steps:

1. Complete the online registration form available on the official website starting December 1, 2024.
2. After receiving the confirmation email, effect payment of the registration fee within a maximum period of 10 days, by credit card or bank transfer.
3. Send the samples following precise specifications: three 500ml bottles (or five 250ml, or seven for volumes of 100ml/150ml/200ml) for each oil entered.

Likewise, all shipments must be clearly marked "SAMPLE, NO COMMERCIAL VALUE" and "NOT FOR SALE" on the commercial and proforma invoices attached to the samples. Samples can be sent from the moment of registration and must arrive before May 20, 2025.

To facilitate international participation, the organizers recommend using courier services such as DHL or UPS. However, it is important to note that Olive Japan will not assume any customs charges or other shipping costs, these being the exclusive responsibility of the participant.

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Olive Japan 2025 Awards 590 Oils from 29 Countries

The prestigious international competition Olive Japan 2025 has culminated with resounding success, setting new records in its history. During this edition, the panel of professional judges evaluated a total of 803 extra virgin and infused olive oils from 29 different nations, constituting the largest number of participating countries since the contest began in 2012.

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Summary of Previous Year's Results

The final balance of Olive Japan 2025 was extraordinary, with 590 extra virgin olive oils meeting the required quality standards to be awarded. This impressive number represents almost 75% of the total samples presented, demonstrating the high level of the participants. The competition, which took place in Tokyo, featured a rigorous sensory evaluation process that guaranteed impartiality and accuracy in the results.

Furthermore, the fourteenth edition of Olive Japan confirmed its position as one of the most influential competitions in the global olive sector. Participating products had to overcome demanding quality criteria based on taste, aroma, texture, and other determining factors, being evaluated by an international panel composed of certified tasters, food scientists, and chefs.

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Nations with the Highest Number of Medals

Although the competition does not publish an official ranking by country, several Spanish producers stood out significantly in this edition. The Protected Designation of Origin Priego de Córdoba reaffirmed its exceptional quality in the Japanese market, while Oleoestepa received two prestigious gold medals for its organic extra virgin olive oils, thus consolidating the Spanish presence among the best in the world.

On the other hand, producers from Greece such as Nefeli, with its PGI Chania Crete extra virgin olive oil, obtained silver medals, demonstrating the strong Mediterranean presence in the contest. Likewise, the brand Piro achieved a gold medal, underscoring the international diversity of the award winners.

Success in Olive Japan 2025 represents for these producers not only recognition of their quality but also a significant boost for their visibility and sales in the competitive Asian market, where extra virgin olive oil is gaining popularity for its health benefits and its use in Japanese cuisine.

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Types of Awards Granted

Olive Japan 2025 granted various categories of recognitions, following its strict evaluation system. In total, 8 PREMIER (BEST of SHOW) medals were awarded, considered the highest award of the contest and given to the oils with the highest scores among the gold medal winners.

The contest also awarded 10 "Toshiya Tada Special Olive Oil Sommelier" awards to outstanding finalists, 339 GOLD medals, and 237 SILVER medals. It is important to note that, unlike other international competitions, Olive Japan does not award BRONZE, PLATINUM, or DOUBLE GOLD medals, thus maintaining a more selective awards system.

Among the special recognitions, the Margaret Edwards Memorial Award stands out, given to the best flavored olive oil. Likewise, awards were given by country and accolades to the best producers. All these recognitions are based on strict quality standards that include the absence of sensory defects and other outstanding organoleptic characteristics.

Winning any of these awards represents for producers a seal of excellence that validates their commitment to supreme quality, an element increasingly valued by Japanese consumers, who are progressively incorporating olive oil into their daily diet and traditional culinary preparations.

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Organizers Detail Shipping Process and Requirements

The organizers of Olive Japan 2026 have established precise guidelines to ensure all samples arrive in optimal condition for evaluation. Compliance with these requirements is fundamental to ensuring successful participation in the contest.

Quantity and Format of Samples Required

For each contest entry, participants must send a specific number of bottles or cans according to the container volume:

• 7 bottles (or cans) if the content is 100ml to 150ml
• 5 bottles (or cans) if the content is 200ml to 250ml
• 3 bottles (or cans) if the content is 375ml to 500ml
• 2 bottles (or cans) if the content is greater than 750ml

All samples must be correctly labeled as commercial products, including brand name, product name, and content quantity. Likewise, it is indispensable that the samples sent be exactly the same as the products marketed commercially.

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Shipping Address and Deadlines

International samples of extra virgin olive oil will be received until May 20, 2025. During this period, shipments will be received on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, considering potential delays in international air logistics, the organizers recommend sending samples as soon as possible.

The official address for sending samples is:

Recipient: OLIVE JAPAN Competition Office
Attn: The Olive Oil Sommelier Association of Japan
Address: 3-4-1, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031, JAPAN
Phone: +81 (3) 3271-0808

All shipments must be made with prepaid charges, as Olive Japan is not responsible for any customs charges, taxes, or handling fees.

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Logistical Recommendations for International Participants

To facilitate the international shipping process, the organizers of Olive Japan strongly recommend using courier services such as DHL or UPS. Conversely, it is advised to avoid Fedex (including TNT), EMS, or national postal services, due to numerous problems encountered in the past.

In all international shipments, it is essential to declare the samples as "SAMPLE, NO COMMERCIAL VALUE, NOT FOR SALE" on the attached commercial and proforma invoices. This declaration is crucial to avoid customs complications.

Although the organization will do its best to accommodate samples that arrive late, it is the exclusive responsibility of the participant to ensure proper shipping of their samples. Olive Japan assumes no responsibility for delayed deliveries, lost packages, or broken bottles.

Furthermore, participants must clearly designate on their international shipping documents or air waybill that they will assume all Japanese customs charges, taxes, VAT, and any handling fees.

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Awards Recognize Exceptional Quality and Taste

The awards system of Olive Japan stands out for its rigorous selection process that guarantees excellence in every awarded bottle. This contest establishes high standards to recognize the best olive oils in the world through a structured system of recognitions.

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PREMIER, GOLD, and SILVER Medals

The Olive Japan competition awards three main categories of medals based on strict quality criteria. The PREMIER medals, considered the BEST of SHOW, represent the highest award and are granted only to 8 exceptional oils selected from the gold medal winners with the highest scores. On the other hand, the GOLD medals, awarded to 339 participants in the 2025 edition, recognize top-quality oils that meet superior production standards. Likewise, the 237 SILVER medals award those oils that, although excellent, fall within a slightly lower score range.

It is worth noting that, unlike other international competitions, Olive Japan does not award bronze, platinum, or double gold medals, thus maintaining a more selective and prestigious awards system.

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Special Awards like the Margaret Edwards Memorial Award

In addition to the regular medals, Olive Japan has established special recognitions to highlight particular achievements. Among them, the Margaret Edwards Memorial Award (MEMA) stands out, created as a tribute to someone who was an important part of the jury from 2013 to 2019. This award annually recognizes the best flavored olive oil, honoring Edwards' contribution to the development of technical standards for evaluating infused and flavored oils.

On the other hand, the contest grants the Toshiya Tada Special Olive Oil Sommelier Award to ten outstanding finalists, as well as awards for the best oil by country and recognitions for the best producers.

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Sensory Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation at Olive Japan follows rigorous international protocols to guarantee impartiality and accuracy. The jury uses a 100-point system to grade each sample, with a minimum of 70 points required to receive recognition. Specifically, oils that score between 70 and 84.99 points receive a SILVER medal, while those with scores between 85 and 100 are awarded a GOLD medal.

The evaluation process employs the "Double-Dummy" method, where each oil undergoes blind tasting tests following the protocols established in European regulation (EU) 2022/2104. To determine the final scores, judges use the median method and the robust standard coefficient, in accordance with international requirements.

The panel of jurors, composed of experts from seven different countries, guarantees a fair and impartial evaluation of the participating oils, thus consolidating the prestige of Olive Japan as a world reference in the assessment of extra virgin olive oils.

Key Dates and Parallel Events at Olive Japan 2026

The Olive Japan 2026 calendar establishes specific deadlines to maximize international participation and efficiently organize all activities related to this prestigious contest.

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Registration and Shipping Dates

Registration for Olive Japan 2026 will begin in mid-November 2025. The final deadline to register will be mid-May 2026, while samples must arrive no later than May 20, 2026. For international participants, it is essential to consider shipping times, as samples will only be received on weekdays between 10:00 and 16:00 hours.

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Results Announcement and Olive Japan Show Event

The official results of the competition will be published on June 12, 2026, on the contest's website. Subsequently, the Olive Japan Show Marche will be held during the weekend of June 27 and 28, 2026. This event, which will take place in the "SAKURA" banquet hall on the second floor of the Hotel Courtyard Marriott Ginza Tobu, will offer free access without the need for prior reservation.

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New Features like the Table Olives Competition

The main innovation for 2026 will be the incorporation of a specific competition for table olives. This new category will have a participation fee of 300 euros per brand and will apply the "buy 4 and get 1 free" promotion. Participants must send 4 cans or glass bottles of at least 250 grams each.

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Conclusion

Without a doubt, Olive Japan has established itself as one of the most prestigious and rigorous contests in the olive world. The resounding success of the 2025 edition, with 803 participating oils from 29 countries and 594 medals awarded, demonstrates the global reach and relevance of this competition in the international market.

The 2026 edition promises to raise these standards even higher. Mainly, the inclusion of the new table olives category represents a significant step that expands opportunities for producers worldwide. Likewise, the maintenance of its rigorous evaluation system guarantees that every Premier, Gold, or Silver medal truly reflects the product's excellence.

The established calendar, from the opening of registration in mid-November 2025 to the announcement of results on June 12, 2026, offers participants sufficient time to prepare their best samples. Additionally, the Olive Japan Show Marche event will provide a unique platform for winners to exhibit their products to the growing Asian market.

Interested producers should consider this competition not only as an opportunity to gain international recognition but also as a gateway to the promising Japanese market, where olive oil is constantly gaining popularity. Therefore, Olive Japan 2026 represents a strategic investment for any producer committed to quality and global expansion.

Finally, the trajectory of Olive Japan from 2012 until now confirms its fundamental role as a bridge between international producers and Asian consumers, establishing standards of excellence that benefit the entire global olive industry.

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