Tehran - Iran has taken home the gold medal for olive oil quality at the prestigious Global Olive Oil Stars 2025 competition, held in London from June 27 to 28, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Karim Zolfaghari, Head of the Center for Agricultural Mechanization and Agro-Industries Development, announced on Monday that a licensed olive oil processing unit based in Tehran Province earned top honors in the international quality category.

 

The event saw 427 entries from 21 countries compete for recognition.

 

According to Zolfaghari, the competition evaluated extra virgin olive oils based on chemical and sensory quality, lab-tested phenolic compound levels aligned with European Union standards, assessments of flavored olive oils, and packaging design.

 

He noted that Iran currently has 63 licensed olive oil extraction units operating under the Ministry’s supervision, with a combined nominal production capacity of 53,600 tons of various oils, including virgin and extra virgin types.

 

Highlighting the strategic importance of agro-processing, Zolfaghari emphasized that such industries are essential for reducing post-harvest losses, extending shelf life, increasing value-added products, and boosting export revenues.

 

In the olive sector, he added, a portion of domestic harvests is also processed into canned olive products by local facilities.