Three of Fairway Market’s private-label olive oils were recognized during the second annual New York International Olive Oil Competition, which the grocer also happens to sponsor.
Its Cabeco das Nogueiras oil, Cobram Estate and Naturvie Spain in Love olive oil brands were the winners among 651 oils in 24 categories from 25 countries that were judged by 15 experts. The Olive Oil Times and the culinary center also sponsored the event, hosted April 8-10 at the International Culinary Center in Soho.
“There were three great days packed with olive oil celebration and elation as olive oil producers, lovers, and experts from all over the world gathered to taste, talk, and delve into the world of olive oil,” Hannah Howard, Fairway’s copywriter, wrote in the retailer’s blog.
Fairway’s Cobram Estate and Naturvie Spain in Love each won gold awards, while Cabeco das Nogueiras Premium earned a silver award. Cobram Estate is a robust blend from Australia, and Naturvie Spain in Love is a medium-intensity blend from Spain. Cabeco das Nogueiras Premium is a medium-bodied blend from Portugal.
“Thick, sweet, fragrant, and fruity, our brilliant Portuguese extra-virgin olive oil is from the Ribatejo region of northern Portugal. The name refers to the shape of the Galega olive and its pointed-head shape,” Howard wrote. “The greenish golden oil is thick and sweet, which yields a markedly fruity oil, with obvious fragrances and flavors of ripe fruit, tomato, wild herbs, cooked artichoke, and green apple. It has a long, yet delicate finish.”
Steven Jenkins, Fairway Market’s master cheesemonger, gave a presentation during the event about olive oil sourcing, while Lori Levy, director of trade and product development, discussed the ins and outs of olive oil importing.
