National Olive Oil Contest at HORECA 2006

SRI International and The Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA) conducted a nationwide contest to determine the best-tasting Lebanese extra virgin olive oil for the 2006-2007 crop and the best presentation for extra virgin olive oil. Funded by a grant from USAID as part of the Expanding Economic Opportunities Project in Lebanon, the contest took place at HORECA from March 27-30 in Beirut. Forty-Six entries were collected by the SRI/INMA team for the producers’ category, six for the commercial brand category, and thirteen for the best presentation category. The oils were tested for acidity and peroxide, and only those oils meeting internationally recognized chemical standards for extra virgin olive oil were accepted to participate in the contest. A committee of experts then judged the oils for their organoleptic characteristics (taste, flavor, aroma, etc.). Five finalists were selected to participate in Horeca under the producers’ category and two under the commercial brand category. The awards were attributed to the oils that gathered the most votes from two sources: the experts and Horeca visitors.

First, second, and third prizes were awarded to:

1) BEST TASTING LEBANESE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL – Category: PRODUCER

First prize: Willani Est. - Mr. Joseph Khoury

Second prize: Mr. Saiid Hamoud

Third prize: Bio Coop – World Vision

2) BEST TASTING LEBANESE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL – Category: COMMERCIAL BRAND

First prize: Zejd – Youssef Fares

Second prize: Al Wadi Gourmet – Dove Est.
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3) BEST PRESENTATION (BOTTLE AND LABEL).

First prize: Zejd - Youssef Fares

Second prize: Traditions du Liban – Dove Est.

Third prize: Les Olivades - Establishment Abou Rjaili.

The prizes were announced and presented to the winners by Mr. Raouf Youssef, USAID/Lebanon Mission Director, on Friday March 30th in a ceremony held at the SRI space at Horeca.