The new edition of the world’s only global guide dedicated to extra virgin olive oils was unveiled in Rome at a prestigious ceremony. The guide is curated by food and wine critic Marco Oreggia and gastronomy expert Laura Marinelli.

Flos Olei 2026 had its official premiere during a two-day event held on December 5 and 6 at The Westin Excelsior hotel, welcoming more than 300 guests, including media representatives, international importers, and leading olive oil producers from around the world.

The 2026 edition provides an impressive overview of global production, featuring 761 olive oils and 500 producers from 57 countries across five continents, once again confirming its status as the most authoritative international quality benchmark in the field of extra virgin olive oils.

Istria Named the World’s Most Successful Region in Flos Olei for the Ninth Time
The ceremonial promotion in Rome, which over two days brought together the global olive oil community, was of particular significance for Istria. Olive oil producers from the Istrian peninsula once again excelled on the world stage: 68 Istrian olive growers were included in Flos Olei 2026, earning Istria, for the ninth time, the title of the region with the highest number of producers among the global elite. This remarkable continuity underscores Istria’s long-standing commitment to quality and sustainable olive growing, as well as the internationally recognized reputation of its extra virgin olive oil.

Strong Representation of Istrian Products at the Event’s Trade Fair
Alongside the ceremonial program, Istrian producers, organized by the Istria Tourist Bord, also participated in the accompanying product fair. Exhibitors included the craft brewery Bura Brew, the wineries Cuj and Agrolaguna, and olive oil producers Mate, Olea BB, Ipša, Chiavalon, Zubin, Oliveri, Nono Remiđo, Agrolaguna, and Červar. Their products drew considerable attention from the international audience, with the strong interest further confirmed through numerous discussions with global olive oil distributors.

Two-Day World-Class Program
The program featured the ceremonial guide presentation, award and special recognition ceremonies, and a tasting fair with over 80 participating producers. It also included masterclass workshops highlighting Hall of Fame-winning olive oils, alongside expert presentations on the “The Best” category. Adding an extra layer of prestige, renowned chefs and pastry masters offered culinary interpretations of the awarded oils. Notable participants included chefs Giorgia Marini, Alessandra Camilli, and Simone Fracassi, as well as several leading Italian gelato artisans.

Top Categories: Hall of Fame and The Best
In the guide’s most prestigious category, Hall of Fame, which honours producers achieving the highest possible score of 100/100, Istria once again stood out: for the third time, Uljara Mate earned the title, being the only Croatian olive producer to ever receive this distinction. In the The Best category, which recognizes excellence in specific stylistic and technical classifications, Istrian olive growers also excelled. In the The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blended - Medium Fruity category, the award went to the olive oil from OPG Rheos.

»» Read more about the success of Istrian olive producers in the Flos Olei 2026 guide

The new edition of the world’s olive oil bible, Flos Olei, is yet another confirmation that Istrian olive oil - the region’s “green gold”- continues to set the international standard of excellence.

[December 2025]