On Monday, April 27, in Meknes, a ceremony took place to honor 12 different types of olive oil from three regions of Morocco during the 16th edition of the National Competition for the Quality of Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil for the agricultural season 2025/2026. This prestigious event was presided over by Ahmed Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, alongside the Governor of Meknes and the President of the International Agricultural Forum in Morocco.
The awarded olive oils were categorized into four homogeneous flavor profiles, which include strong green fruitiness, moderate green fruitiness, light green fruitiness, and mature fruitiness. In each category, three prizes were awarded: first, second, and third place.
In the category of olive oil with a "strong green fruitiness" flavor, the first prize went to OLIVEINVEST from the Fès-Meknes region, while CHANIA, also from the same region, secured the second prize. The third prize was awarded to OLEA CAPITAL, again from Fès-Meknes.
For the olive oil category featuring "moderate green fruitiness," the top honor was claimed by Société D'EXPLOITATION DE L’OLIVE from the Marrakech-Safi region, with OLIVE OIL CARTEL following in second place, and the third prize awarded to Ben Moulouk Press, also from Marrakech-Safi.
In the category of olive oil with "light green fruitiness," the first prize was presented to the Ibrahim Zneiber Press from Fès-Meknes, while the economic interest group Wadi Zat from Marrakech-Safi took home the second prize. The third prize in this category was awarded to STEPHANE LAURENT, also from Marrakech-Safi.
Moving to the category of olive oil with "mature fruitiness," the first prize was won by the economic interest group Zuyt Ait Aitab from Beni Mellal-Khenifra. The second prize was awarded to Zaitoun Marrakech from Marrakech-Safi, while OLICO SA from Marrakech-Safi secured the third prize.
In light of this ceremony, Tawfiq Al-Ashabi, Director of Production Chains Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the significant advancements achieved by farmers in terms of both production volume and quality. He emphasized that this qualitative improvement encompasses all categories of farmers, reflecting a robust commitment to excellence among producers and the ministry's dedication to actively supporting them.
Al-Ashabi further stressed that achieving quality is now an urgent necessity, noting that the Ministry of Agriculture positions quality as a genuine driver for the advancement of the entire production chain and the continuous progress of producers.
This competition, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests in collaboration with olive sector professionals (INTERPROLIVE), underscores the special attention given by the “Green Generation” strategy to improving the quality of agricultural products, particularly olive oil.
The competition was conducted according to a system established in accordance with the standards set forth by the International Olive Council. It was open to all olive oil producers in Morocco, with this year witnessing participation from 77 candidates across five regions.
Moreover, the ceremony took place within the framework of the 18th International Agricultural Forum in Morocco, which is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and was attended by various officials from different institutions active in the sector.
The International Agricultural Forum continues until April 28, featuring over 1,500 exhibitors, 500 cooperatives, 200 livestock breeders, and 45 foreign delegations, with expectations of over 1.1 million visitors. This event serves as a vital gathering for agricultural policies, enhancing exchanges and solidifying international partnerships while highlighting tangible responses to the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
As reported by amp.medi1news.com.
