How do international competition awards increase the value of olive oil? And how can you win?

Impressions from the Heart of Germany: Quality as a Passport to Global Reach

During my visit to the Egyptian pavilion at a major trade fair in Germany, I was struck by the strong presence of Egyptian olive and olive oil products. I approached the exhibiting companies' representatives, accompanied by friends from Spain and Saudi Arabia.

I noticed my friends' strong admiration for the Egyptian products, to the extent that they requested price lists and shipping details. What further pleased me was the professional presentation, which focused on "total quality," from the product itself to the sophisticated packaging. However, the decisive factor was the companies highlighting their specialized international awards, whether for table olives or olive oil.

It was clear that international buyers tend to choose award-winning companies as a form of "quality assurance," followed by a search for competitive prices. This situation opened a discussion about the importance of participating in international competitions and their impact on achieving excellence in the local market, and more importantly, opening doors for export, while emphasizing the need to consider the average global price to ensure the competitiveness of national products.

The Pyramids International Competition: A Gateway to Competition

As we approach the launch of the "Second Pyramids International Olive Competition" in Egypt, we see it as a promising competition that opens doors for direct competition with international products. It is a crucial first step to prove the quality of national products and solidify their presence on the international stage.

‍Why Should Ambitious Companies Participate?

Many wonder about the investment and marketing returns from participating in these competitions. The benefits can be summarized in the following points:

1. Marketing and Technical Benefits:

• Global Quality Certification: Winning a medal or award serves as an international accreditation certificate that enhances the company's reputation and facilitates penetration into foreign markets.
• Product Improvement: Having your product evaluated by international experts provides you with precise feedback for quality development.
• Keeping Up with Trends: An opportunity to learn about the latest global advancements in the olive industry.

2. Economic Returns:

• Increased Sales: The logo on the winning bottle is the most powerful persuasion tool for both local and international customers.
• Competitiveness: Awards immediately set you apart from competitors and justify the product's price point.
• Opening Export Markets: Importers always look for award-winning products to ensure customer satisfaction.

‍Important Warning: Technical Errors That Could Cost You the Win

Having participated in organizing the first edition of the competition in 2025, my team and I observed several recurring errors made by participants, which sometimes forced us to disqualify samples before they reached the "coding" or sensory evaluation stage. To avoid this, please be aware of the following:

• Packaging Selection: Avoid using PET packaging or recycled plastic caps, as chemicals in the plastic can react with the oil, altering its taste and aroma, and they may also absorb ambient odors.
• Oxidation Issue: Loose plastic caps can allow oxygen to leak in, leading to oil oxidation and quality degradation.
• Labeling Accuracy: We observed samples labeled "virgin olive oil," whereas the competition requires "extra virgin olive oil." Accuracy in classification is essential.
• Oil Purity: Submitting "cloudy" (unfiltered) oil can lead to a deterioration of the oil's specifications over time, making its defects clearly apparent during the evaluation stage.

‍Conclusion

Participating in international competitions is not just about social prestige; it's a real investment. It's a golden opportunity to improve quality, enhance reputation, and boost sales, provided that production costs are simultaneously managed to keep prices competitive in the global market.

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