What is the best olive oil in Spain? 8 big brands

Olive oil is one of the most valuable banners of the Iberian gastronomic culture. For more than half a century, the most successful and desired souvenir in Spain has been a dark green bottle. "Liquid gold", the Arabs claimed when they conquered part of the Hispanic territory.

At present, it is calculated that the quantities of liters of olive oil that are exported abroad, with Europe as main client, are estimated at about 2,500 million euros according to expert newspapers in the field such as the Economist and the Expansion. Contrasting the data of the Organization of Consumers and Users (O.C.U) of the year 2017, the oil supposes one of the most powerful economic engines for the Spanish economy, especially in the region of Andalusia.

• Related article: "Differences between virgin and extra virgin olive oil"

What are the 8 best Spanish olive oils?

As with most food products, the ordinary consumer will hardly notice the difference between one brand or another, especially in a product so homogeneous to the taste of the palate. To determine the quality of each manufacturing company, the O.C.U. it is usually the reference to take into account when solving a similar dilemma.

Therefore, this organization has taken into account factors such as the authenticity of the product (check if it has been adulterated with other oils or liquids), the labeling, the peroxides, the acidity and, of course, the value for money. We'll see now what are the 8 best olive oil brands in Spain, with their descriptions.

1. Hacendado Great Selection

As incredible as it may seem, the Valencia-based supermarket chain has the honor of being part of the list of the best olive oil producers nationwide.

The surprise is given by the category of the product, known in the business world as a "white label". A “premium” product is expected to take the top spots, but there is always the exception.

2. Oleoestepa

In 2015, this brand of the Oleoestepa Cooperative, based in the town of Estepa (Seville), was considered the best brand of extra virgin olive oil by Germany in the famous Olive Oil Award which took place in the city of Nuremberg. More specifically, Oleoestepa had such recognition thanks to its launch of the “gourmet” line with its star product “Egregio”.

Tested by the best chefs in Spain, this brand takes the top positions in all rankings consecutively.

• You may be interested: "Food additives: what are they, what types are there, and health effects"

3. Auchan

Another white label line is once again on the list of top brands in the olive oil sector. The French supermarket chain distributes its 1-liter bottles of content with a valuation of about 90 points out of 100, according to the O.C.U.

Aside from its taste and texture, Auchan oil has long been considered the best oil for seasoning with salads.

4. El Corte Inglés Bio

The department stores of the Areces family based in Madrid are famous for their “Gourmet” section, which corresponds to the food segment, since the El Corte Inglés specialty corresponds to other types of products, such as clothing or household appliances, as well as tourism and other services derivatives. It is for this reason perhaps that the fact that a product in this category has found its way into this This list is somewhat anomalous, but it is so: it is another of the best brands of oil from olive.

5. Borges oil

Here we have another historical one in the list of the best Spanish oils (and in the rest of Europe). Who has not seen one of those endearing commercials for family dinners in which Borges oil is the protagonist? It is one of the best sellers throughout the country and abroad, especially France and Italy.

Its star product is Arbequina oil, with a fruity flavor that has won the palate of users.

6. Maeva Ecological

Once again, we return to southern lands. This Granada-based cooperative has received a large number of awards for the purity of its oils, both inside and outside of Spain. His influence reached even Japan itself, obtaining the Gold Medal Olive award in 2016.

This family business was founded by Mr. Luís Torres Torres in 1930, which survived the worst years in the modern history of Spain thanks to its subsequent internationalization.

7. Koipe

Aceites Koipe is part of a Madrid business holding company called Deoleo. It is a relatively new brand, born in 1990, but which has managed to establish itself in the national and foreign market, with exports to places as remote as the Oceanic continent (Australia and New Zealand), Asia (India and Pakistan) and the North American (Alaska).

8. The Spanish

Although it occupies a slightly relevant position in this ranking, the oil company "La Española", is the oldest brand of national olive oils.

Founded in 1840, its name corresponds to one of the colonies in American territory from which it was the Spanish Empire, an island whose name was baptized by the son of Christopher Columbus himself, Hernando. And it was then that he himself began to export tons of this Sevillian oil to supply the needs of the locals.

Bibliographic references:

• occup.org