Tunisia Dominates the United States International Olive Oil Competition
With 55 medals, Tunisia has dominated the edition of the United States International Olive Oil Competition (USIOOC), organized by the Swedish group Global International Olive Oil Competitions (GIOOC). This clear performance places the country ahead of Greece and Italy, which are historical references in the sector.
Details of the Medals
Tunisian producers won:
- 38 gold medals and 3 silver medals in the quality category
- 10 gold medals for health benefits
- 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal for flavored oils This harvest confirms a increasingly assumed position: that of Tunisian olive oil, which no longer only plays the quantity game, but clearly the quality game.
International Recognition
This international recognition comes in a context where Tunisian olive oil exports are accelerating. For the 2025/2026 campaign, the country exported around 295,000 tons, generating nearly 3.64 billion dinars in revenue over the first six months. These figures are sharply increasing, with an estimated growth of around +49% in value and +64% in volume compared to the previous year.
Challenges Ahead
However, behind these performances, a reality persists. Tunisia still exports largely in bulk, which limits local value creation. In other words, the country shines in terms of volume and quality, but still captures an insufficient share of the final price on international markets.
Global Market
On a global scale, the main outlets remain concentrated. Spain, Italy, and the United States absorb a large part of Tunisia's exports, confirming the strategic role of olive oil in the country's agricultural trade.
The USIOOC Competition
The USIOOC competition, which brought together nearly 150 samples from 14 countries, evaluated by 12 international experts, acts as a barometer of the sector. And the signal is clear: Tunisia is no longer just an actor among others, but a serious competitor in the global high-end market.
Global Dynamics
More broadly, these awards are part of a global dynamic driven by GIOOC competitions, which multiply events in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East to enhance the best producers and structure the international market for extra virgin olive oil.
Conclusion
Ultimately, beyond the medals, a fundamental trend is confirmed. Tunisia is durably establishing itself in the closed circle of the world's great olive oil powers.
