The Tunisian olive oil industry has achieved a remarkable feat at the 5th edition of the DIDO International competition, securing 30 medals out of 40 awarded. The ceremony took place in Tunis on October 28-31, 2026, during the Olive Festival organized by the Tunisian Network of Women in Olive Oil. This year's competition saw participation from top Mediterranean olive oil-producing countries, including Italy, Algeria, France, and Greece.
The jury awarded five Super Gold medals, 24 Gold medals, and 11 Silver medals to Tunisian olive oil producers. The competition's tasting sessions were conducted in a laboratory accredited by the International Olive Council (IOC) and certified ISO 17025, ensuring the quality and impartiality of the judging process. This achievement demonstrates the high standards of Tunisian olive oil production.
The top prize at the competition was awarded to extra-virgin olive oil from the Ben Ismail Domain in Toukabeur, Béja Governorate, produced by Maher Ben Ismail. This victory is a testament to the quality of Tunisian olive oil and its ability to compete with the best international producers. The industry's success is attributed to its commitment to quality and rigorous production standards.
Saoussen Mourad, President of the Tunisian Association of Women in Olive Oil, highlighted that this achievement proves Tunisian olive oil can easily rival or surpass the best Italian and Greek olive oils. She emphasized that one of the key advantages of Tunisian olive oil is its ability to maintain high quality for over 12 months, a crucial factor in meeting the demands of international markets.
To build on this momentum, Mourad called for better valorization of Tunisia's olive oil heritage, which dates back to the Carthaginian and Punic eras. She stressed the need for targeted promotional campaigns and a strong presence at major international events to increase the value added to the sector and solidify Tunisia's position among global export leaders.
The Tunisian government's support for the olive oil sector is evident in its efforts to promote national production. Recently, the government allocated 150 million dinars to purchase the national olive oil production, and the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) has urged banks to finance the 2026-2027 season. These initiatives aim to boost the sector's growth and competitiveness.
The success of Tunisian olive oil producers at the DIDO 2026 competition underscores the country's growing influence in the global market. With a focus on quality, promotion, and innovation, Tunisia is poised to strengthen its position as a leading player in the international olive oil trade. Key players in the sector are working to leverage this momentum and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Key points
- Tunisian olive oil producers won 30 medals at the DIDO 2026 international competition.
- The competition's tasting sessions were conducted in a laboratory accredited by the International Olive Council (IOC) and certified ISO 17025.
- The top prize at the competition was awarded to extra-virgin olive oil from the Ben Ismail Domain in Toukabeur, Béja Governorate.
