In Cabacés, in Tarragona’s Priorat region, Baronia de Cabacés extra virgin olive oil has won the Platinum Medal at the London International Olive Oil Competitions 2026. If you are trying to judge whether an award like this matters, the short answer is yes, but only when you read it alongside the producer, the place, and the competition itself.
What the award tells you
The oil is made by the Cooperativa de Cabacés, in a municipality of about 300 residents. That matters because small cooperatives in Catalonia often sell quality through reputation, not scale. A top result in London can help a producer stand out with importers, specialist shops, and buyers who look for traceable origin rather than volume.
How to read a Platinum medal
Platinum is the competition’s highest honour, according to the event organisers. That does not mean every bottle on a shelf from the same region will taste the same, but it does tell you the oil met a high standard in a judged setting. For readers choosing between Catalan oils, the practical takeaway is simple: awards can narrow the field, but they do not replace harvest date, olive variety, or storage conditions.
Why Priorat is a useful reference point
Priorat is better known to many readers for wine, yet olive cultivation remains part of the area’s agricultural identity. In a place like Cabacés, where the local economy is small and the landscape is closely tied to farming, an international prize can carry more weight than a generic marketing claim. It gives a local cooperative a clearer story to tell, especially when selling beyond Tarragona or Catalonia.
Quick guide for buyers
| Question | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Want a gift or premium bottle? | Look for award references, origin, and a recent harvest date. |
| Buying for everyday cooking? | Focus on freshness, storage, and whether the oil suits raw use or frying. |
| Comparing Catalan oils? | Check producer details, not just medals, because small cooperatives often differ by variety and style. |
For readers in Catalonia, one useful detail is that these awards can help small producers reach markets far from the village where the oil is made. That is especially relevant in rural areas where local production is strong but distribution is limited. It is also why a prize in London can matter in Cabacés, not just in the export market.
For more Catalan agriculture coverage, see our news tag page. You can also check the competition’s official site for its judging framework and results: London International Olive Oil Competitions. Update: June 2026.