You don’t often hear “Herzegovina” and “olive oil powerhouse” in the same sentence — but maybe it’s time we all started.
Thanks to a quiet but steady revolution in the hills of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, this once-overlooked corner of the Mediterranean is now standing proudly among the world’s most awarded olive oil regions. At the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition — the gold standard for olive oil quality — Herzegovinian producers took home 11 medals. That’s an eleven-fold leap from the year before.
This isn’t just a victory for one brand. It’s a turning point for a region reconnecting with ancient agricultural roots and modern excellence.
From 18 Hectares to 116,000 Trees
Fifteen years ago, Herzegovina had only 18 hectares of olive groves. Today? Over 500 hectares and climbing, with 116,000 trees in the ground and thousands more on the way. The Federal Agro-Mediterranean Institute (FAZ) in Mostar has been guiding this transformation, offering advanced testing (including polyphenol analysis!) and sensory training for producers.
According to Professor Marko Ivanković, FAZ’s director, most local oils now exceed 250 mg/kg in polyphenols — the kind of antioxidant-rich profile that gets health experts excited.
Collaboration Over Competition
Another big catalyst? The formation of HUUM — the Herzegovina Association of Olive Growers and Oilers. This group unites producers across ethnic and religious lines (Catholics, Orthodox, and Muslims), with a shared commitment to honest, high-quality olive oil.
Together with FAZ, HUUM secured a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and launched the beautifully branded “Zlatne Kapi Herzegovina” — or “Golden Drops of Herzegovina.” These milestones have helped the region join the International Olive Council and gain global credibility.
Meet the Medal-Winning Producers
Here are just a few of the standout producers who represented Herzegovina on the world stage:
- OPG Škegro (Ljubuški): Multiple golds for their Krš brand
- OPG Murić (Bošnjak brand)
- Orthodox Monastery Tvrdoš (near Trebinje)
- AgroHerc Agriculture (Narentas brand)
- Pax Dol (run by the Franciscan Sisters near Mostar)
- Uljar Ramljak (Tasovčić)
- Podrumi Vukoje 1982 (Trebinje): 2 Golds, 3 Silvers — a serious contender!
The Sister behind Pax Dol put it best: “It’s not gold, but silver feels like gold to me.” That’s the spirit.
The Road Ahead: Olive Oil Tourism & Local Pride
By 2030, Herzegovina plans to expand to 1,000 hectares of olive groves and launch an official “Olive Oil Roads of Herzegovina” route for agritourism. Think Tuscany vibes, but with Balkan soul.
This story isn’t just about awards — it’s about identity. About communities finding pride in the soil, the trees, and the real extra virgin olive oil flowing from their hands. That’s the kind of renaissance the olive world needs more of.
Inspired by the original reporting by Nedjeljko Jusup for Olive Oil Times.
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