South African Olive Oil Tops World Rankings, Outshining European Producers

The best olive oil in the world is South African, according to the Evooleum Guide. For the first time in the history of this ranking, the best olive oil is neither Spanish nor Italian, notes El Mundo, noting that the second and third places are occupied by Spain. Three other Spanish oils are in the Top 10, ranked 5th, 6th and 10th.

Out of the 100 best olive oils in the world, there are a total of 72 extra virgin from Spain, including 45 from Andalusia and 27 from Jaén. The other olive oils come from 11 countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, Greece, Brazil, China, Israel, South Africa and Turkey.

As in previous years, the Evooleum Guide compiles complete information sheets on each oil, which provide information on their origins, characteristics, varieties, type of olive grove, olive tourism activities or Kosher and Halal certificates...

The Guide also rewards the best packaging designs, as well as the ten best small oil producers (production less than 2,500 liters) and the 10 healthiest extra virgins, according to their polyphenol content.