Terra Centuria has received two distinctions at Olio Nuovo Days 2026, the Paris-based international olive oil competition and tasting event.
Our Belica-Leccino Štorta blend (1200+ mg/kg polyphenols) was awarded Premium Gold in the High Phenolic category. The same varietal blend in the 800/1200 mg/kg range received Best in Class in EVOO, one of the competition’s top sensory distinctions.
The dual recognition matters for a specific reason. Emmanuelle Dechelette, founder of Olio Nuovo Days, chose to place our oil in Best in Class as an extra virgin olive oil rather than in the High Phenolic category. In her words, this was to acknowledge the oil “not only for its remarkable polyphenol content, but also for its genuine excellence as an extra virgin olive oil in its own right.”
That distinction is one we have been working toward for years. High-phenolic olive oils are often framed as a health product first and a culinary product second. Terra Centuria has always insisted on both: the polyphenol count measured in the lab, and the balance, aroma, and finish measured on the palate. Being recognized on sensory merit, alongside the phenolic result, confirms that the two do not have to be traded off.
About the awards
- Best in Class in EVOO – TERRA CENTURIA Blend Belica-Leccino, 800/1200 mg/kg, Slovenia
- Premium Gold, High Phenolic – Blend Belica-Leccino Štorta, +1200 mg/kg
Olio Nuovo Days is an annual Paris event bringing together producers, chefs, sommeliers, and researchers around early-harvest and high-phenolic olive oils. The 2026 Gala Dinner, Awards Ceremony and Master Class take place on June 4–5 in Paris.
This is Terra Centuria’s fourth consecutive recognition at Olio Nuovo Days, following distinctions in 2023, 2024, and the Best of Show High Phenolic (Health Claim) award in 2025.
