Athanasiou Olive Oil wins double gold at California State Fair

By AI, Created 6:11 PM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. earned two gold medals and one bronze at the 2026 California State Fair Olive Oil Competition in San Francisco, adding to a strong awards run this year. The family-owned Northern California producer has now collected seven medals across its 2026 portfolio as the olive oil competition season continues.

Why it matters: - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. is building credibility in a crowded premium olive oil market with awards across multiple blends and harvest styles. - The California State Fair results add momentum after the company’s earlier showing at the 2026 Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition. - Consumer-facing details such as polyphenol counts and bottle-level testing can help differentiate high-end extra virgin olive oils at retail.

What happened: - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. earned two Gold Medals and one Bronze Medal at the 2026 California State Fair Olive Oil Competition in San Francisco. - The company won Gold in the EVOO Monovarietal Medium Division, Frantoio Class, for Italian Frantoio “Sophia” with 446 mg/kg polyphenols. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. won Gold in the EVOO Blend Medium Division, San Joaquin Valley Blend Class, for Tuscan Blend “Annina.” - The company earned Bronze in the EVOO Blend Delicate Division, Sierra Foothill Blend Class, for Greek Blend “Kosta.” - The California State Fair Olive Oil Competition drew entries from producers across California’s major growing regions. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. said the California State Fair was the company’s second competition entry of 2026.

The details: - The California State Fair wins followed the 2026 Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition, where Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. won Gold for its highest-polyphenol Frantoio at 500 mg/kg. - The company also won Silver for Frantoio “Sophia” 446 at the Los Angeles event. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. picked up Bronze there for Tuscan Blend “Annina.” - The company earned a Bronze in the Packaging Design category for its 2025 label series. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. says it has already accumulated seven medals across its full portfolio in 2026. - Co-founder George Athanasiou said the family was honored by the California State Fair recognition for its Early Harvest Olive Oil. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. says its oils are cold-pressed, made with no heat or chemicals, and certified extra virgin. - The company says polyphenol counts are independently tested and printed directly on every bottle. - Athanasiou family members hand-pick olives each October in small batches from groves in Amador and San Joaquin counties. - The olives are pressed quickly to preserve polyphenol content. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. is a family-owned producer founded in 2025 by George and Louanne Athanasiou and based in Northern California. - The company is a member of the California Olive Oil Council. - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. blends Greek harvesting methods with modern California agriculture.

Between the lines: - Awards across monovarietal, blend and packaging categories suggest the brand is positioning itself as a premium producer on both product quality and presentation. - The emphasis on early harvest and measured polyphenols signals a strategy aimed at health-conscious and flavor-focused buyers. - The company’s rapid awards tally in its second year points to an aggressive bid for shelf space and brand recognition.

What’s next: - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. says all award-winning oils from the 2025 early harvest are available now at Athanasiou Olive Oil. - The company’s 2026 award season is still underway, leaving room for additional competition results.

The bottom line: - Athanasiou Olive Oil Co. is using competition wins to validate its small-batch, high-polyphenol positioning and accelerate brand momentum.