Pasolivo Named Most Awarded U.S. Producer at 2026 Los Angeles Olive Oil Competition
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Paso Robles, CA — March 2026 — Pasolivo, the acclaimed Paso Robles olive oil producer, earned the distinction of being the Most Awarded U.S. Producer at the 2026 Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition, one of the largest and most respected olive oil competitions in the world. Pasolivo also tied for the Most Awarded Global Producer at the 2026 competition, placing the California producer among top-performing olive oil producers worldwide.
In addition to these honors, Pasolivo Lemon Olive Oil received the prestigious Margaret Edwards Award—the competition's highest honor, awarded to just one of 209 producers— further highlighting the company's leadership in innovative flavored olive oils. Other accolades included Best in Class awards for Pasolivo's Basil, Citrus, Lemon, and Red Jalapeño flavored olive oils. In total, Pasolivo earned 19 awards at the competition.
Hosted annually by the Los Angeles County Fair, the LAIOOC attracts hundreds of entries from producers across the globe. The competition is judged by an international panel of olive oil experts who evaluate through a rigorous blind tasting process, assessing quality, balance, aroma, and flavor. Pasolivo's exceptional performance across multiple categories underscores the quality and craftsmanship that have defined the producer for more than two decades.
"We're incredibly honored to have earned the distinction of being the most awarded U.S. producer and tie for the most medals worldwide," said Brian Dirk, CEO of Pasolivo. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to crafting exceptional olive oils from California's Central Coast."
California producers have increasingly gained international recognition for quality andd innovation in recent years, with many competing successfully against traditional olive oil regions around the world. As noted by the UC Davis Olive Center, "California has established itself as a leader in producer high-quality extra virgin olive oil." Achievements like those earned by Pasolivo highlight the craftsmanship and dedication of California producers and reinforce the state's growing reputation on the global olive oil stage.
Based in Paso Robles, California, Pasolivo is known for it's estate-grown extra virgin olive oils and flavored olive oils. Paso Robles' Mediterranean-esque terroir provides ideal growing conditions, producing mature olives with concentrated, complex flavors. The company carefully manages every step of production—from grove management to milling—to ensure freshness, balance, and outstanding flavor from tree to bottle.Â
For more information about Pasolivo and it's award-winning olive oils, visit www.pasolivo.com.
About Pasolivo
Pasolivo is a family-owned producer based in Paso Robles, California with over two decades of production experience. Known for it's estate-grown extra virgin olive oils and innovative flavored olive oils, Pasolivo has earned numerous international awards and is recognized for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and exceptional flavor.
About the Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition
The Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition is one of the largest and most prestigious olive oil competitions in the world. Hosted annually by the Los Angeles County Fair, the competition brings together leading olive oil producers from across the globe and is judged by an international panel of experts through a blind sensory evaluation. The 2026 competition featured 209 producers from 22 countries, including Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.
