Olive oil is one of the most valuable standards of Iberian gastronomic culture For more than half a century, the most awarded and desired souvenir in Spain is a dark green bottle. “Liquid gold,” the Arabs cried when they conquered part of the Hispanic territory.
Currently, it is estimated that the quantities of liters of olive oil that are exported abroad, with Europe as the main customer, are estimated at around 2.5 billion euros according to expert newspapers on the subject such as Economista and Expansión. Contrasting the data from the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) for 2017, oil is one of the most powerful economic engines for the Spanish economy, especially in the region of Andalusia.
As happens in most food products, the average consumer will hardly notice the difference between one brand or another, especially in a product so homogeneous to the taste of the palate. To determine the quality of each manufacturing company, the OCU is usually the reference to take into account when solving a similar dilemma.
Consequently, this organization has taken into account factors such as the authenticity of the product (check if it has been adulterated with other oils or liquids), labeling, peroxides, acidity and, of course, value for money. We’ll see now What are the 8 best olive oil brands in Spain with their descriptions.
As incredible as it may seem, the Valencia-based supermarket chain has the honor of being part of the list of the best olive oil producers nationwide.
The surprise comes from the category of the product, known in the business world as “white label.” It is expected that a “premium” product will take the top spots, but there is always the exception.
2. Oleosteppe
In 2015, this brand of the Oleoestepa Cooperative, based in the town of Estepa (Seville), was considered the best brand of extra virgin olive oil by Germany in the famous Olive Oil Award which took place in the city of Nuremberg. More specifically, Oleoestepa had such recognition thanks to its launch of a “gourmet” line with its star product “Egregio”.
Tested by the best chefs in Spain, this brand takes the top positions in all rankings consecutively.
3. Auchan
Another white label line once again breaks into the list of top brands in the olive oil sector The French supermarket chain distributes its 1-liter bottles with a rating of about 90 points out of 100, according to the OCU
Aside from its flavor and texture, Auchan oil has been considered the best oil for seasoning salads.
4. El Corte Inglés Bio
The department stores of the Areces family, based in Madrid, are famous for their “Gourmet” section, which corresponds to the food segment, since El Corte Inglés’ specialty corresponds to other types of products, such as clothing or household appliances. , as well as tourism and other derived services. It is perhaps for this reason that the fact that a product from this category has made it onto this list is somewhat anomalous, but it is: it is another of the best olive oil brands.
Here we have another historical one on the list of the best Spanish oils (and in the rest of Europe). Who hasn’t seen one of those endearing family dinner advertisements in which Borges oil is the protagonist? It is one of the best sellers throughout the country and abroad, especially France and Italy.
Its star product is Arbequina oil, with a fruity flavor that has won the palates of users
6. Maeva Organic
Once again, we return to southern lands. This cooperative based in Granada has received a large number of awards for the purity of its oils, both inside and outside Spain. Its influence reached even Japan itself, obtaining the Gold Medal Olive award in 2016
This family business was founded by Mr. Luís Torres Torres in 1930, which survived the worst years in Spain’s modern history thanks to its subsequent internationalization.
7. Koipe
Aceites Koipe is part of a Madrid business holding company called Deoleo It is a relatively new brand, born in 1990, but it has managed to establish itself in the national and foreign market, with exports to places as remote as the Oceanic continent (Australia and New Zealand), Asia (India and Pakistan) and the North American (Alaska).
8. Hispaniola
Although it occupies a slightly relevant position in this ranking, the oil company “La Española”, It is the oldest brand of national olive oils
Founded in 1840, its name corresponds to one of the colonies in the American territory of what was the Spanish Empire, an island whose name was baptized by Christopher Columbus’s own son, Hernando. And it was then when he himself began to export tons of this Sevillian oil to supply the needs of the locals.
