Crete's olive oil competition focuses on quality and global reach

Saturday, 16 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The 12th Pan-Cretan Olive Oil Competition has taken place, celebrating the island's position as one of the world's leading olive oil producers. Eirini Choudetsanaki, a key figure in the competition, spoke about the event's growing importance and acknowledged that this has been a challenging year for the olive oil market. She emphasized that Crete must continue investing in quality standards and international visibility to maintain its competitive edge in Europe. The competition is part of a broader push to position Cretan gastronomy on the European stage through dedicated food and culture events. For visitors, this is a good time to seek out award-winning local olive oils at markets, delicatessens, and farm shops across the island. Look for competition labels or ask producers directly about their entries.