Just as long-distance runners aspire to compete in the classic Marathon race or great actors dream of performing at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, passionate olive oil producers from around the world are tempted by the opportunity to have their produce compete in olive oil’s birthplace.

Greece was the first country in the world to harness the potential of the olive tree and to elevate olive oil into a cultural product. Currently, it is the country with the highest per capita annual consumption of olive oil, while Greek extra virgin olive oils are universally recognized as among the best in the world. Greece’s leading olive cultivar, Koroneiki, is being adopted in a plethora of other countries that also are striving for excellence.

The dream of competing and winning in Greece first came true in 2016, when the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition was first held in Athens, olive oil culture’s legendary birthplace.