SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY OLIVE OIL COMPETITION

The San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition is back for its 11th year! Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC)! Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Flavored Olive Oil entries from commercial producers in the State of California are eligible and olive oil must be made from producers’ most recent olive harvest. Deadline for entries is March 27, 2026.

“As the heart of California agriculture, the San Joaquin Valley is the perfect place to celebrate the state’s finest olive oils. This competition gives producers the opportunity to be recognized for excellence, build visibility and showcase their oils to new audiences."
- Christina Estrada, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair

Participating producers must enter their harvest into one of two different classes: EVOO and Flavored Olive Oil. Competition categories in the EVOO class include: Spanish Blends (arbequina, arbosana, etc.); Spanish Singles; Italian Blends (ascolano, etc.); Italian Singles; Other Blends (picholine, barouni, etc.); and Other Singles. Competition categories in the Flavored Olive Oil class include: Citrus; Herbal (rosemary; basil, etc.); Pepper (chile, jalapeno, habanero, etc.); and Other Flavors (garlic, truffle, etc.).

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 1, 2026!

Gold and silver medals will be given out in each category; “Best of Show” awards in both the EVOO and Flavored Olive Oil categories; and one overall “Best of the Valley” award. Judging will be evaluated and scored as follows:

Gold Medal: Awarded to an olive oil that demonstrates its type and/or varietal character, balance, structure and complexities to the highest standards. Gold Medals will be awarded to those oils receiving scores between 86 – 100 points.

Silver Medal: Awarded to an olive oil reflecting the correct distribution of balance and character of its type or variety; an oil deemed to be well crafted and of excellent quality. Silver Medals will be awarded to those oils receiving scores between 76 – 85.99 points.

Best of Show: Awarded to an olive oil recognized to possess special characteristics of the highest quality overall; given out in both EVOO and Flavored Olive Oil divisions. All Gold Medal winners are eligible to compete for Best of Show in their respective divisions.

Best of the Valley: Awarded to the oil that scored the highest overall with the ranch or office located in the San Joaquin Valley across both EVOO and Flavored Olive Oil divisions. (Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties eligible)

See the entry packet linked above for full competition rules.