Finding the single number one olive oil in the world is a complex task because the title varies depending on the specific competition, year, and criteria used. Renowned rankings, such as those from the World's Best Olive Oils (WBOO) and Olive Oil Times, highlight different champions annually. What remains consistent, however, is that award-winning extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece dominate the top spots. The truest measure of quality comes down to objective markers and personal taste, not a singular label.
The World's Best Olive Oil (WBOO) Ranking for 2024/2025
For the 2024/2025 season, the World's Best Olive Oils ranking, which aggregates results from seven international competitions, placed a Spanish EVOO at the top.
- Overall No. 1: Rincon de la Subbetica - Hojiblanca, produced by Almazaras de la Subbetica S.L. in Andalusia, Spain, secured the highest score and is recognized for its exceptional quality and robust, fruity flavor profile.
- Top 5 Contenders: Other high-ranking oils in the WBOO list include Oro Bailen Picual (Spain), Knolive Epicure (Spain), Az. Agr. Quattrociocchi Americo (Italy), and El Empiedro (Spain), showcasing a strong Spanish and Italian presence.
The Olive Oil Times World Ranking
The Olive Oil Times (OOT) World Ranking uses a different methodology, compiling real-time data from the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) to rank the world's top producers. For the 2025 competition, the landscape has seen several producers emerge as top contenders. Producers consistently winning multiple awards across competitions, such as Spain's Oro Bailen and Italy's Domenica Fiore, hold prestigious spots in the OOT rankings, reflecting a long-term commitment to excellence. The 2025 NYIOOC also highlighted award-winning EVOOs from diverse countries, including Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Pakistan.
How to Choose a High-Quality Olive Oil
Since a single definitive 'best' doesn't exist, focusing on the markers of high quality will guide your choice. A truly superior extra virgin olive oil should be treated like fresh fruit juice.
- Buy Extra Virgin Only: EVOO is the highest grade, mechanically cold-pressed, preserving antioxidants and flavor. Avoid products labeled 'light' or 'pure'.
- Prioritize Freshness: Look for a harvest date from the most recent season; oil degrades over time.
- Check the Container: Choose dark glass or opaque tins to protect oil from damaging light.
- Read the Label for Origin: Look for a single country of origin for better traceability.
- Taste for Quality: High-quality EVOO has a fruity aroma and taste, potentially with a peppery or bitter finish from healthy polyphenols.
Comparing Top-Tier Olive Oils
| Feature | Rincon de la Subbetica (Spain) | Olivea Premium Organic (Greece) | Domenica Fiore Reserve (Italy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer | Almazaras de la Subbetica S.L. | Olivea | Domenica Fiore |
| Region | Andalusia, Spain | Messinia, Greece | Umbria, Italy |
| Notable Award | WBOO Overall No. 1 (2024/2025) | Best Organic EVOO (2025, Olivea) | Multi-Gold NYIOOC (2025) |
| Key Trait | Masterful Hojiblanca mono-varietal | High polyphenol content (600+ mg/kg) | Nitrogen-sealed steel bottle for freshness |
| Flavor Profile | Robust, intensely fruity, complex | Perfectly balanced, robust, peppery finish | Classic robust Italian, grassy, peppery |
Conclusion: Finding the Best Olive Oil is a Personal Journey
While competition results offer an excellent starting point, the absolute best olive oil in the world is subjective. The consistent thread among all top-ranked oils is adherence to high standards: early harvest, immediate cold extraction, and proper storage. Consulting trusted rankings helps navigate selection. The {Link: Olive Oil Times World Ranking oliveoilranking.org} offers an extensive database of winners and information.
A Final Word on Authenticity
The olive oil industry is susceptible to fraud. Safe options include domestic producers with certifications, small single-estate brands, or those with prestigious awards from competitions like the NYIOOC or WBOO. Freshness, flavor, and polyphenol content are true quality indicators.
The Rise of New Regions
While Spain, Italy, and Greece dominate, international competitions show growing success from countries like Croatia, Brazil, and Pakistan, offering more diversity and high-quality options globally.
