Tunisian producers of olive oil achieved remarkable performance during the International Istanbul 2025 competition, winning 44 gold medals. Out of 360 participants from various countries, Tunisia, represented by 57 producers, was distinguished by the quality of its products.
Tunisian olive oil has once again confirmed its reputation for excellence internationally. During the 4th edition of the olive international quality competition and olive oil, recently held in Istanbul, Tunisia distinguished itself by winning 44 gold medals, out of a total of 57 participating producers.
Organized by the Turkish Academy of Olive Oil, the competition brought together 360 producers from several countries, notably from Mexico, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other Mediterranean countries. In addition to the golden distinctions, Tunisian producers also won 2 platinum medals, 10 silver and 1 bronze, confirming the regularity of their know-how and the diversity of rewarded profiles.
This 2025 edition was particularly distinguished by the development of small producers anxious to preserve the local agricultural heritage, as well as by the participation of young entrepreneurs. The latter were able to benefit from an international promotion platform to present their innovative projects.
Beyond the competition, the event served as a framework for exchange and networking for the Tunisian participants, who were able to establish contacts with international actors in the olive oil and food marketing sector.
The competition assesses olive oils on the basis of rigorous criteria ranging from sensory quality to the production process, including harvesting, processing, storage and transport methods.
According to a recent declaration by the Minister of Commerce and Export Development, Samir Abid, Tunisia today holds 10% of the global olive oil export market, which places it in the fourth rank in the world.
In 2024, exports reached 4.8 billion dinars, with a presence in 64 destinations, compared to 55 the previous year. The European Union, notably Italy, Spain, France, Portugal and Belgium, remains the main market.
The progression of Tunisian -conditioned oil exports confirms, moreover, a rise in line which is part of a strategy for enhancing the national product.