Istria has been named the world’s best olive-growing region for the tenth time by the prestigious international guide Flos Olei, one of the world’s most respected guides dedicated to extra virgin olive oils.

The Flos Olei 2027 edition features no fewer than 63 Istrian producers among the world’s top 500 from 57 olive-growing countries across five continents, accounting for an impressive 12.6% of the entire guide. With this result, Istria continues an extraordinary record spanning 18 years. It was named the world’s best olive-growing region in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2026 and now 2027, while ranking second in the remaining eight editions. In other words, Istria has consistently ranked among the world’s top two olive-growing regions for all 18 years.

This year’s achievement is made even more significant by the fact that 20 Istrian producers scored 95 points or more, confirming that Istria stands out not only for the number of producers included in the guide, but above all for the consistently outstanding quality of its extra virgin olive oils.

Historic result: two Istrian producers score 100/100
For the first time in history, Istria has two producers with the maximum score of 100/100 – Mate and Ipša. Ipša stands out in particular, having entered the prestigious Hall of Fame category for the first time this year, reserved for estates that have demonstrated long-term continuity of exceptional quality and made an outstanding contribution to olive growing.
Mate, owned by Aleksandra Vekić, once again retained its perfect score, further confirming Istria’s position at the very top of the global olive oil scene.

Istria’s success was further enhanced by Olea B.B. from the Labin area, which was selected among only 21 specially awarded estates worldwide and received the title “The Made with Love Farm” in the The Best 2027 category. The award recognises not only an individual olive oil, but also the producer’s long-term consistency, philosophy, identity and contribution to the area in which it operates.

Seven new Istrian producers among the world’s best
Another highlight of this year’s edition is the inclusion of seven new Istrian producers in the Flos Olei 2027 guide. The newcomers are O.P.G. Loris Bajkin, Uljara Baioco, Clai, Pavletić Cunj, O.P.G. Matia Simon Červar, O.P.G. Lucija – Kalebić family and O.P.G. Nikolina Bijelić.
Their inclusion among the global olive-growing elite further confirms the breadth and vitality of the Istrian scene, where a new generation of olive growers committed to quality, modern technology and the preservation of local identity is emerging alongside established producers.
At the top of this year’s Istrian ranking, behind Mate and Ipša with 100 points, is Olea B.B. with 99 points, while O.P.G. Zubin, O.P.G. Matteo Belci and Monte Rosso each received 98 points. They are followed by O.P.G. Oliveri, Červar, Negri Olive, Grubić, Primizia – San Rocco and Terra Eno Olea – Uljara Vodnjan, all with 97 points.

The world’s “Bible” of extra virgin olive oils
Flos Olei is a true atlas of global olive growing, created by renowned journalist and food and wine critic Marco Oreggia together with Laura Marinelli, a journalist specialising in food and wine. The guide is published in several international editions and brings together 500 of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oil producers.

Istria’s continuous presence at the very top of the guide is the result of long-term development of olive growing, investment in knowledge and technology, and the strong connection between the product and Istria’s terroirs.

The tenth title as the world’s best olive-growing region is therefore not only another major international recognition, but also confirmation that extra virgin olive oil is one of the strongest symbols of Istria’s quality, identity and gastronomic reputation.