Famous Spanish EVOO brands abroad that you may not know about
Spain produces more than half of the world's olive oil and leads the quality rankings, but the reality is that many of its most successful brands are better known outside its borders than within . In markets like the United States, South Korea, and Japan , certain Spanish producers are synonymous with excellence and are present in restaurants, gourmet shops, and international rankings. However, for the average consumer in Spain, they remain largely unknown.
In this article, we introduce you to five Spanish extra virgin olive oil brands that are achieving success abroad, boasting awards, exports, and a strong international strategy: Soler Romero, O-MED, Knolive, Oro del Desierto, and Oro Bailén . If you're not yet familiar with them, this is your chance to discover them.
1. Soler Romero
Location: Alcaudete, Jaén
Why it's famous abroad: Pioneers in organic production , certified for over 20 years. Their organic extra virgin olive oils are in high demand in markets such as Germany, the United States, and South Korea, where sustainability and health are key purchasing criteria.
Why not so much here: In Spain, the organic distribution channel is less consolidated and tends to be concentrated in specialty stores, so its recognition is lower compared to more mainstream brands. Its strong international demand has limited its expansion in Spain.
2. O-MED
Location: Ácula, Granada
Why it's famous abroad: Its minimalist design and very clean sensory profile have won over haute cuisine chefs in the United States and Japan. It has been featured in guides such as EVOOLEUM and Flos Olei and has become a "cult" oil for the new generation of gourmet consumers.
Why not so much here: Although increasingly recognized, it still doesn't have widespread distribution in Spanish supermarkets. Its initial focus was on exports, which limited its visibility in the domestic market. That has changed in recent years thanks to the fantastic work that Juan de Dios and Paula do to make O-MED a benchmark of quality.
3. Knolive
Location: Priego de Córdoba, Córdoba
Why it's famous abroad: It has reached the Top 10 in the "World's Best Olive Oils" ranking several times. Its blend is characterized by balance, herbaceous aromas, and an elegant finish, making it very appealing in markets like the United States and Asia.
Why not so much here: In Spain, it competes in a market saturated with local brands. It's highly regarded by olive oil tasters and sommeliers, but less well-known to the general consumer. Alberto has done an excellent job, from naming/branding to the product itself, to bring Knolive to the world.
4. Desert Gold
Location: Tabernas, Almería
Why it's famous abroad: This oil is produced in the heart of the Tabernas Desert , one of the few deserts in Europe. Its organic approach and unique character have allowed it to stand out at NYIOOC (New York) and Best Olive Oils , in addition to being highly valued in Asia.
Why not so much here: Although it is a recognized brand in Spanish gourmet circles, it does not yet have the same presence as in foreign markets, where the storytelling of "oil from the desert" together with the guarantee of organic production by the Alonso family generates great appeal.
5. Gold Bailén
Location: Bailén, Jaén
Why it's famous abroad: Considered a benchmark for Picual olive oil worldwide, it appears on numerous Korean blogs and lists of "best olive oils in the world." In South Korea, for example, it's mentioned as a favorite brand among experts and consumers seeking intensity and quality.
Why not so much here? Well, no. In this case, we're talking about what is the quintessential premium extra virgin olive oil brand in the Spanish market as well. Congratulations to José Gálvez and his team, who have shown us all the way forward.
(and 6). Canena Castle
Location: Canena, Jaén
Why it's famous abroad: I remember walking into KaDeWe in Berlin ten years ago and finding two brands of premium Spanish extra virgin olive oil. One of them was Castillo de Canena. It's a brand that
Why not so much here? Well, not really. If Oro Bailén is one of the best-known premium brands, the other is Castillo de Canena. There are many factors involved in this recognition, but one stands out above the rest: hard work. So, our congratulations to Paco and Rosa for their achievement.
Comparative table of these Spanish brands abroad
| Brand | Location | Strong markets | Style/Variety | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soler Romero | Jaén | Denmark, South Korea, USA | Organic, Picual | Certified organic for 20 years |
| O-MED | Grenade | USA, Japan | Picual (intense), Arbequina (soft) | EVOOLEUM, Flos Olei |
| Knolive | Cordova | USA, Asia | Green fruity blend | Top 10 World's Best Olive Oils |
| Desert Gold | Almería | USA, Japan | Organic, blends | NYIOOC, Best Olive Oils |
| Bailén Gold | Jaén | South Korea, USA, Europe | Picual, Arbequina | EVOOLEUM, Iberoleum, Korean blogs |
International trends driving these brands
- Ecological and sustainable: brands like Soler Romero and Oro del Desierto are highly valued in Germany, Japan and the USA for their organic production.
- Design and packaging: O-MED and Knolive have opted for modern and distinctive packaging that is winning over international gourmet shops.
- Storytelling: Oro del Desierto takes advantage of the uniqueness of Tabernas, while Oro Bailén is associated with the excellence of the Picual from Jaén.
What can we learn in Spain?
These brands demonstrate that the international success of Spanish extra virgin olive oil depends not only on quality (which is a given), but also on how it is communicated: packaging, history, narrative, certifications, and connection with the consumer. In the domestic market, we often remain focused on price, which explains why these gems haven't yet achieved the popularity they deserve at home.
Conclusion
Spanish olive oil is a world leader, and brands like Soler Romero, O-MED, Knolive, Oro del Desierto, and Oro Bailén are proof of that. They enjoy enormous prestige abroad, with awards, distribution in gourmet markets, and inclusion in leading guides. If you haven't yet tried them, discovering them is the best way to travel with your palate and appreciate why Spanish extra virgin olive oil is considered the best in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Spanish brand of extra virgin olive oil is the most recognized in South Korea?
Oro Bailén is one of the most mentioned brands in Korean blogs and portals as synonymous with premium quality.
What sets Soler Romero apart from other Spanish brands?
Soler Romero stands out for being 100% organic for more than two decades, a value highly appreciated in markets such as Germany or the USA.
Why is Knolive so popular outside of Spain?
Because it has managed to enter the Top 10 of the World's Best Olive Oils , which gives it great visibility in the United States and Asia.
What do these Spanish brands abroad have in common?
They share very clear export strategies , a strong focus on ecology, design or storytelling , and a regular presence in international competitions.
Why is Desert Gold so successful in international markets?
Oro del Desierto has become an icon thanks to its organic production in the unique environment of the Tabernas Desert (Almería). This story, combined with the quality of its oils, has positioned it as one of the most awarded Spanish brands at international fairs such as NYIOOC and Best Olive Oils, and has conquered demanding markets such as the United States and Japan.
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