Portugal's National Olive Oil Competition 2026: entries open until April 10th.

Azeite a Norte Blog
7 hours ago
2 min read

Portugal produces world-class olive oil. But recognition is not presumed—it is earned. And that is precisely why the National Olive Oil Competition of Portugal exists.

The most important olive oil competition in Portugal is back.

The Portuguese National Olive Oil Competition (CNAP) 2026 has opened its registration period and sample submissions are now underway — with a deadline of April 10, 2026. (Source: CEPAAL/CNEMA)

Co-organized since 2007 by the Center for Studies and Promotion of Alentejo Olive Oil (CEPAAL) and the National Center for Exhibitions and Agricultural Markets (CNEMA), CNAP establishes itself as the main showcase of excellence in national olive oil production and a strategic instrument for enhancing the quality, innovation and competitiveness of the sector. (Source: CEPAAL/CNEMA)

This year's edition is once again sponsored by the International Olive Council (IOC) — the highest institutional recognition an olive oil competition can receive, guaranteeing alignment with the most demanding international standards for sensory evaluation. (Source: Voz do Campo)

Categories, special awards and schedule

What is up for grabs

CNAP annually distinguishes homogeneous batches of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, including:

Intense Green Fruity Olive Oil
Medium Green Fruity Olive Oil
Mild Green Fruity Olive Oil
Mature Fruity Olive Oil
Olive oils with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Organic Olive Oils

Special prizes

Beyond the basic categories, the jury awards special distinctions that further enhance the visibility of the best national producers: the "Best of the Market" — awarded to olive oils purchased directly from supermarket shelves at the organization's initiative — and the "Prestige Extra Virgin Olive Oil," given to the batch with the highest overall final score. (Source: CEPAAL/CNEMA; Voz do Campo)

Dates not to be missed

Until April 10, 2026 — Deadline for receiving samples and documentation.o
April 21 and 22, 2026 — Blind tastings with the sensory evaluation jury
June 6-14, 2026 — Awards ceremony, integrated into the National Agriculture Fair, in Santarém

Rigor that is internationally recognized

The tests are conducted in a blind tasting format over two days, with a panel of national and international tasters specializing in sensory analysis of olive oil. The goal, according to the organizers, is to ensure the highest standards of credibility, impartiality, and rigor. (Source: Voz do Campo)

At a time when Portugal is positioned as the 6th largest producer of olive oil in the world and the 3rd largest exporter in Europe, this competition is not just an award — it is a tool for asserting the Portuguese product in national and international markets. (Source: Sapo/Canal Alentejo)

For producers in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro — where varieties such as Cobrançosa, Madural, and Verdeal Transmontana give rise to some of Portugal's most awarded olive oils — participation in CNAP is an opportunity for visibility that transcends borders.