Santiago, Chile has been chosen as the host city for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere Sol D’Oro competition during the week of September 29. The event will mark the first time in its 12-year history that the Verona, Italy-based competition moves beyond its borders to recognize New World extra virgin olive oils on their home turf.
Led by Panel Cata Chile Association with support from the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, the competition will adhere to the standards established by the Italian version.
Like with the Italian competition, participants from the Southern Hemisphere will submit oils to be judged by a jury of experts. Submissions are divided into two main categories, Extra Virgin and Organic, which are further subdivided into Delicate, Average and Intense Fruit.
Within these categories the Sol de Oro (Gold Medal), Sol de Plata (Silver Medal), and Sol de Bronce (Bronze Medal) will be awarded, along with seven honorable mentions. The winners will be featured at next year’s Sol&Agrifood show in Verona as part of Vinitaly.
“The Southern Hemisphere Sol D’Oro will provide a showcase for the best extra virgin olive oils from this part of the world. Producers from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile will have the opportunity to promote their products internationally with the seal of quality that only Sol D’Oro can offer,” said José Mingo, president of Panel Cata Chile, in a press release.
“In recent versions of Sol D’Oro in Verona, the oils from the Southern Hemisphere have already begun to stand out for their quality,” said Ettore Riello, president of Veronafiere, the organization behind Sol D’Oro.
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