Contest Rules
2026
The mission of the EVO International Olive Oil Contest® is to promote the exceptional qualities of extra virgin olive oil, to disseminate the nutritional benefits of its use in the Mediterranean diet, and to promote the excellence of olive oil from different countries around the world. For this reason, only producers who can guarantee the traceability and origin of the products presented take part in the competition. The contest is considered to be among the most significant olive oil competitions in the world dedicated to extra virgin olive oil, due to the establishment of an important partnership network, the involvement of a team of professionals and the participation of an internationally renowned jury.
The success of the EVO International Olive Oil Contest® is based on a team of world-renowned professionals in the field of olive oil competitions and the organisation of international events. The team, united by the same passion and the common idea of innovation and renewal, is led by Dr Antonio G. Lauro, professional taster, founder of the “Prim’Olio” Olive Oil Tasting Committee, head of the jury of several international competitions and author of numerous publications.
Program
The Eleventh Edition of the EVO International Olive Oil Contest® will take place in the following stages:
11 / 13
may 2026
Tasting sessions of EVO IOOC Italy EVO International Olive Oil Contest®; all samples that comply with the contest rules will be subjected to sensory analysis by a jury of professionals who will evaluate and classify them according to the methods of the International Olive Council (IOC)
Join the oil excellencies of 2026
Team
Judges
Discover the Official Jury of EVO IOOC Italy 2026
Palma Bartolini
The composition of the Jury may undergo some changes.
FAQ
Put this label on the outside of the box that the products entered in the competition are in.
This label must be printed and applied to each individual bottle entered in the competition. It is recommended that the label be attached to the bottle with a rubber band or string, avoiding taking up the main visual space. Please note that the bottles will be sent to a photographic studio for the production of the photographs that will be used on the competition website and in the Buyers Guide.
EVO IOOC Italy 2026 will take place in Italy from May 11th to 13th 2026.
The samples of extra virgin olive oil must come from a consistent batch (minimum volume of 500 liters); condiments based on extra virgin olive oil must come from a consistent batch (minimum volume of 100 liters).
The samples of extra virgin olive oil must come from a consistent batch (minimum volume of 500 liters); condiments based on extra virgin olive oil must come from a consistent batch (minimum volume of 100 liters).
Early booking (by January 31, 2025)
- For only one sample submitted: € 240,00
- Multiple registrations:
- Up to 4 samples: € 215,00 each
- Between 5 and 8 samples: € 190,00 each
- More than 8 samples: € 170,00 each
Regular Booking (Registration and payment by May 2, 2025)
- For only one sample submitted: € 290,00
- Multiple registrations:
- Up to 4 samples: € 260,00 each
- Between 5 and 8 samples: € 230,00 each
- More than 8 samples: € 200,00 each
All tuition fees must be paid to the EVO IOOC Italy by May 2, 2025.
EVO IOOC samples must be sent to:
Associazione EVO IOOC Italy
Antonio G. Lauro
Via Giotto, 11
89015 Palmi (Reggio Calabria – Italy)
+39 333 23 13 151
December 1, 2025: official opening of registration for the EVO IOOC Italy competition. From this date until May 4, 2026, it will be possible to register and send samples to the competition and pay the registration fee.
January 31, 2026: closing date for early bird registration.
May 4, 2026: closing date for registration for the EVO IOOC Italy Competition. Samples must be received at the competition headquarters by this date, otherwise they will be excluded from the contest.
May 11-13, 2026: EVO IOOC Italy EVO International Olive Oil Contest® tasting sessions; all samples that comply with the contest rules will be subjected to sensory analysis by a jury of professionals who will evaluate and classify them according to the methods of the International Olive Council (IOC).
May 18, 2026: announcement of the EVO IOOC Italy contest nominations.
May 22, 2026: announcement of the winners of the EVO IOOC Italy 2025 Gold and Silver Medals.
June 20, 2026: Award Ceremony (location and date to be determined).
June 30, 2026: publication of certificates (Diplomas) on the official competition website www.evo-iooc.com and issuance of quality seals.
The competition is an event closed to the public while the awards ceremony where the results are announced is open to the public. Do you want to be present at the event? Contact us!
Four bottles or other suitable food containers, of at least 250 ml each, should be sent.
The EVO IOOC Italy Competition will close entries on May 4, 2026 (last day of receiving samples in our offices).
You can pay easily with PayPal, credit card on PayPal or via Bank Transfer. Bank transfer to:
Associazione EVO IOOC EVO International Olive Oil Contest
IBAN: IT02Q0538781490000043039713
BIC SWIFT: BPMOIT22XXX
The organization will provide, at the request of the company and for a fee, the HD file of the sticker showing the category of prize won, to be printed and affixed on the label.
The winners are authorized to affix the reproduction of the stamp only on bottles containing the same extra virgin olive oil or condiment of the winning sample. Any other use of the prize sticker is not allowed.
Price list of the files with the sticker certifying the prize category won:
- Single stamp: € 150,00
- Up to 2 stamps: € 120,00 each
- Over 2 stamps: € 100,00 each
D.D.P. Delivery Duty Paid. In the term “Duty Free Return” the seller fulfills the obligation of delivery by making the goods available to the buyer in the agreed place in the importing country. The seller must bear the risks and costs, including duties, taxes and other charges, in order to be able to deliver the goods to that place, cleared for importation.
After registration, samples must arrive at our offices by May 4, 2026.
Inside the dashboard, you’ll find a FAQ section and a video tutorial to make registering easier.
Your certificate and prize stamps with the prize won are in your member area under MY DOCUMENTS.