RULES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL EVOO COMPETITION LEONE D’ORO 2026-2027
History
The Leone d’Oro International Competition is the continuation of the world’s first international olive oil competition, Leone d’Oro dei Mastri Oleari, established in 1987.
Organization
The competition is professionally organized and directed by Maria Paola Gabusi, an expert in sensory analysis, the promotion of excellence in extra virgin olive oil, and Panel Leader of the certified Aipol2 Professional Tasting Panel since 2016.
Evaluation Method
Evaluation method: The Leone d’Oro stands out for the extreme rigor of sensory analysis, using a single professional tasting group to evaluate the organoleptic profile of all samples, operating in a certified Panel Room.
Evolution Samples are tasted in order of arrival from October to March. At the end of April, the Finalists will be tasted again to decide the category. In the months that follow, outside the Competition, further sensory analyses serve to further help the Producers by providing guidance on shelf life.
All extra virgin olive oils that comply with the standards established by the International Olive Council (IOC), produced during the most recent harvest season and originating from any geographical area, are eligible to enter the competition, provided that the online entry application is submitted within the specified deadlines.
Sample Requirements
The oils must be commercially available through normal distribution channels. Bottles must be properly labelled and include the production batch number or, in the case of small producers with a single production batch, the full Best Before date, together with all information required by applicable legislation. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the immediate disqualification of the sample. For each oil entered, the producer must declare the production batch quantity. The batch must be homogeneous, regardless of whether it has already been bottled or is still in bulk storage. Any award granted will apply exclusively to the batch declared at the time of registration.
All samples are stored in a dark, temperature-controlled room. Each sample is numbered, officially registered, and anonymised under the supervision of a notary public before sensory evaluation.
The sensory evaluation is carried out in accordance with the International Olive Council (IOC) method, using a Ministry-certified Panel Test Room and a recognized professional tasting panel composed of a minimum of eight professional tasters under the supervision of a Panel Leader. Starting with the 2027 edition, the Selection Tastings will also be conducted by Panel Leader Alfred Marasciulo at the Bari (Italy) tasting facility. Two evaluation forms are used during the sensory assessment:
IOC Quantitative Evaluation Sheet, which measures the intensity of the olfactory and gustatory descriptors in order to determine the commercial category of the olive oil. Leone d’Oro Qualitative Evaluation Sheet, specifically developed to assess the quality of the perceived attributes, including harmony, complexity, persistence, and varietal notes, resulting in a qualitative score from 0 to 100.
Since 2019, the competition has used proprietary software to record and manage all sensory evaluation data. This database makes it possible to monitor the evolution of individual oils over the years and represents a unique research resource made available to participating producers.
LEONE D’ORO 100/100
ONLY ONE, The sample simply PERFECT :-)
ONLY samples with a score ≥ 85/100 are admitted to the competition
SAMPLES FROM ITALY CATEGORIES
- LEONE D’ORO BLEND
- LEONE D’ORO ORGANIC
- LEONE D’ORO SMALL PRODUCERS (tot. production per farm NOT more than 3000lt)
- LEONE D’ORO MONOVARIETAL
- LEONE D’ORO DOP/IGP
- LEONE D’ORO SELECTION VARIETAL (each variety in the competition with more than 20 samples)
INTERNATIONAL
- BLEND
- ORGANIC
- MONOVARIETAL
- LEONE D’ORO SELECTION VARIETAL (ONLY variety in the competition with more than 20 samples)
- SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
EXTRA CATEGORIES
- LEONE IN THE KITCHEN ® (Organoleptically “clean” oils, balanced and with the best quality/ price ratio, to be promoted in restaurants or as cooking oils for families. Packed in Bag-in-box of 3 or 5 lt to ensure greater stability over time)
- WORLD BEST PACKAGING
All samples shall be subjected to organoleptic assessment in accordance with the order of arrival. The Panel tastes weekly no more than 8 samples per day throughout the year.
Samples will be admitted to the Leone Selection if, at the end of the organoleptic evaluation, will have reached a score greater than or equal to 85/100.
The producers of the oils in Leone Selection will receive by email the organoleptic analysis and the professional Panel test, over the years they will have the report on the qualitative evolution of their product and will also compete for the Leone d’Oro
The Leone Selection entitles you free of charge to the stamp file and the promotion of the product through social channels, national and international masterclasses and all other activities of the association.
From the 2nd to the 7th classified by category with a rating higher than 94/100, entitled to the stamp file (free) and to the points provided for the world’s ranking
The ONLY WINNER of each category will be entitled to the stamp file and points provided in the world ranking
The winners of the Italian categories ” Small Producer”, “Monovarietal” and Organic” will win an exclusive contract of direct purchase from Bordoni Italia
Each nominated champion will be entitled to the stamp file and the points provided in the world ranking. The winner will receive a €450 discount coupon to be used in the registration of samples the following year
Starting from the 2027 edition, Leone d’Oro International will launch an exclusive online platform dedicated solely to professional buyers from Italy and around the world. This will not be another buyers’ guide, nor another collection of medals or awards. Instead, it will be a carefully curated platform, accessible only to qualified buyers who have completed a dedicated training program. It will feature selected producers and products distinguished by the outstanding quality of their work. The selection and management of the platform will be personally supervised by Maria Paola Gabusi. All producers entering the 2027 Leone d’Oro International Competition may apply to have their products considered for inclusion when submitting their competition entry. Application does not guarantee acceptance. Selection will be highly rigorous and based on criteria different from those used in the competition itself. For every purchase order generated through participating buyers, selected producers agree to make a 5% donation, calculated on the invoice value excluding shipping costs, to O’Live & Italy Association. This donation is tax-deductible where permitted by applicable law and will help support the operation of the Professional Panel, sensory research activities, and the ongoing work of our certified tasters. Selected oils will undergo regular Panel Tests throughout their declared shelf life to verify that their sensory characteristics remain consistent over time. The results will be available to buyers through the platform and, upon request, will also be shared with the producers. The selection criteria for inclusion in the Buyers’ Platform are independent from the competition rankings and will be based primarily on the preferences, expectations, and purchasing trends of the international market.
Producers are expected to act in good faith and to report all commercial transactions originating from introductions made through the Buyers’ Platform. Transparency is an essential condition for participation, as the project is based on mutual trust and supports the non-profit activities of O’Live & Italy Association.
FROM 2027: SAMPLES MUST BE SHIPPED TO TWO DIFFERENT ADDRESSES
IMPORTANT: Each shipment must contain the following documents and samples. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in the immediate disqualification of the entry.
– A printed copy of the confirmation e-mail received after completing the online registration form.
– 2 bottles (500 ml each), properly labelled in accordance with applicable legislation.
– For entries in the “Leone in Cucina” category: 1 Bag-in-Box (3 L or 5 L), to be shipped ONLY to the Brescia (Italy) address.
– via e-mail a maripa@maripa.it The chemical analysis certificate relating to the production batch entered in the competition, indicating at least:
Free Acidity, Peroxide Value, Polyphenol Content
(Organic, PDO or PGI certificates are not required if clearly indicated on the product label.)
Shipping Address 1
MARIA GABUSI
c/o MBE Centro 0017
Via Fura, 52
25125 Brescia (BS) – Italy
Tel. +39 347 8784699
E-mail: maripa@maripa.it
Shipping Address 2
ALFREDO MARASCIULO
c/o MBE Centro (soon more details) Bari – Italy
Tel. +39 335 6972864
E-mail: alfredo@marasciulo.it
All’atto dell’iscrizione è richiesto lo stesso contributo per i primi tre campioni del 2023, 2024, 2025 e 2026:
- first sample 300 euro
- second sample 150 euro
- third sample 100 euro
- forth sample 100 euro
- a Lion in the kitcken 100 euro
- Best packaging (included in the olive oil entry fee. To be eligible, the oil must achieve a minimum sensory score of 85/100).
The entry fee includes the sensory evaluation. The official Panel Test report is provided only for oils achieving a minimum score of 85/100.Participants may also request a free consultation call to receive detailed feedback on their results. Appointments can be arranged via WhatsApp at +39 335 6972864 or by e-mail at alfredo@marasciulo.org.
Payment must be made at the time of submitting the online entry form, either by bank transfer or PayPal.
Bank Transfer Details
Account Holder: Maria Gabusi
Bank: FinecoBank
Corso Palestro, corner of Corso Martiri, 1
25122 Brescia (BS) – Italy
IBAN: IT21M0301503200000005070170
BIC (SEPA): FEBIITM1
SWIFT/BIC: FEBIITM2
Payment Reference: Leone d’Oro 2027 + Company Name (exactly as entered on the registration form).
Any bank charges or transfer fees shall be borne exclusively by the participant
Upon registration (the same as 2023,2024,2025 and 2026) contribution is required:
- FIRST sample 300 euro
- SECOND sample 150 euro
- THIRD sample 100 euro
- FOURTH sample 100 euro
- A Lion in the kitchen 100 euro
- Best Packaging (included in the olive oil entry fee; eligible only for oils that achieve a minimum score of 85/100 in the sensory evaluation).
The entry fee includes the sensory evaluation. The official Panel Test report is provided only for oils achieving a minimum score of 85/100.
Participants may also request a free consultation call to receive detailed feedback on their results. Appointments can be arranged via WhatsApp at +39 335 6972864 or by e-mail at alfredo@marasciulo.org.
Payment must be made at the time of submitting the online entry form, either by bank transfer or PayPal.
Bank Transfer Details
Account Holder: Maria Gabusi
Bank: FinecoBank
Corso Palestro, corner of Corso Martiri, 1
25122 Brescia (BS) – Italy
IBAN: IT21M0301503200000005070170
BIC (SEPA): FEBIITM1
SWIFT/BIC: FEBIITM2
Payment Reference: Leone d’Oro 2027 + Company Name (exactly as entered on the registration form).
Any bank charges or transfer fees shall be borne exclusively by the participant.
- LEONE D’ORO from 1 OCTOBER 2026 to 1 MARCH 2027 OR UNTIL WE REACH 300 SAMPLES
- LEONE D’ORO SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE until 15th of April 2027
The competition is limited to 300 samples. Once the 300th sample is registered, entries will be closed, even if the official deadline has not yet been reached. The order of registration, complete with payment, will determine acceptance.
We urge you to ship your samples AS SOON AS THEY ARE READY to allow us to organize the evaluations properly. We are not responsible for any issues that may occur to the samples during transport. If you ship after the end of November, it is very likely that the samples will arrive frozen; please ship earlier if possible.
From the moment of receipt through presentation in the Panel Room and beyond, the organizers will ensure the samples are stored carefully, preserving their integrity in a dark, temperature-controlled environment.
Samples are analysed by the Panel in order of arrival. The result of the organoleptic evaluation and any inclusion in the Leone Selection (Selezione Leone) is immediate and is communicated to the e-mail marked in the registration form together with the stamp file. THE REGISTRATION INCLUDES A CONSULTANCY PHONE CALL TO DISCUSS THE EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCT ONLY IF REQUESTED VIA WHATSAPP WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF RECEIVING THE EMAIL.
FINALISTS/GREAT MENTION of each category will be announced by email at the end of April 2027, at the end of all tastings.
The WINNERS of each national and international category will be announced during the Producers’ Celebration on May 2027
The 2027 Producers’ Celebration probably will be held on Garda Lake, in Toscolano Maderno; further details will follow.
The awards ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to meet, make valuable connections, exchange ideas, and enjoy a weekend in truly magical places.
YOU ARE ALL WARMLY INVITED ALREADY!
Independence and Research
Leone d’Oro International has no sponsors. The competition is entirely self-funded through entry fees because we believe that independence is essential to guarantee the integrity and impartiality of our evaluations.
Open Selection Tastings
During the Selection Tastings, the Panel Test Room is open to any registered olive oil taster who wishes to observe our work and taste alongside the official panel. Guest tasters’ results are not included in either the median or the final official results.
If you are interested in attending, please send a WhatsApp message to +39 347 8784699.
Monovarietal Research Project
We are building one of the most comprehensive sensory databases dedicated to monovarietal extra virgin olive oils. We kindly ask all participants to accurately declare the olive varieties contained in their samples.
If you produce outstanding monovarietal oils that you do not wish to enter into the competition, you can still support our research by donating one or two bottles. In return, we will share our complete sensory evaluation with you.
How Remaining Bottles Are Used
The bottles remaining after the official tastings, finalist re-tastings, shelf-life evaluations, national and international Masterclasses, and other educational activities promoting your products are never wasted. They are used for the following purposes:
“Ciarpaleone” Charity Raffle, held during the Leone d’Oro Producers’ Festival on the Awards Day. All proceeds from the raffle are donated to charitable organizations. Thanks to the generosity of participating producers, the beneficiaries in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 included Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), Sea Shepherd Italy, the Paul Watson Foundation, and Survival International—organizations whose commitment to protecting biodiversity closely reflects the values and mission of Leone d’Oro International.Leone d’Oro has no sponsors, you support it with your subscriptions. With the subscriptions it pays the rent of the Panel Room, the material, the bills and so on..
Annual donation of sealed bottles of extra virgin olive oil to the Fondazione Bianchi Nursing Home in Toscolano Maderno, Italy.
The tasters in this competition are a group of professionals aligned and trained throughout the year by the Panel Leader Maria Paola Gabusi and recognized by the Ministry under the name of Panel Aipol2.
During the tastings of Selezione Leone, the Panel Room in Brescia (Italy) is open to anyone, enrolled in the professional list of tasters, who wants to see how we work and taste with us. Clearly, its results will not be average nor a median. If you are interested send a Whatsapp to +39-3478784699.
We are collecting an important database of sensory evaluations related to monovarietals, so, please be correct in giving us an indication of the varieties present in your samples. We also ask you, if you want to support our research and produce single-variety oil, that you do not want to enter into the contest, to give us 1-2 bottles of it, in return we will share our sensory evaluation with you.
The bottles remaining after the tastings; from the reassessments of the finals, the evaluation of the shelf life, tastings in national and international masterclasses and all other initiatives aimed at the dissemination of your product, are addressed to the following causes:
- Annual donation of oil in sealed bottles to the Nursing Home Fondazione Bianchi of Toscolano Maderno
- Donation of bottles as a gift to competitors of the non-competitive race “In the Middle of the Olive Trees”: En Mes ai Ulif Trail
- Gifts in the lottery of the “Ciarpaleone” held on the day of the awards during the Festival of Producers. The money is entirely donated to different organizations. In 2023,2024 and 2025 you helped Medici Senza Frontiere, Sea Shepherd Italia, Paul Watson Foundation e Survival International, realities very connected to our mission that is safeguarding biodiversity.
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