The Protected Designation of Origin Aceite de Madrid has received the Best Product Award in the X Edition of the Community's Gastronomy Awards. The award recognises the quality of Madrid's extra virgin olive oils and the work of the region's olive growers and mills.
The DOP Aceite de Madrid has won the award for Best Product of Madrid at the gala of the Community's Gastronomy Awards, held at the Royal Post Office. The president of the designation, Rafael Gómez Toba, collected the award alongside the director of the Regulatory Council, Esther Alonso. This recognition comes at a sweet moment for a product that aspires to stop being a rarity in kitchens.
A Prize That Tastes of Consolidation
More than a one-off recognition, the award reflects years of work to highlight Madrid's extra virgin olive oil. The DOP, created less than three years ago, has achieved 32 international awards in 15 competitions across 14 countries, including golds, silvers, and Top 100 distinctions. This record demonstrates that quality is not a coincidence.
Gómez Toba explained that one of the major challenges is for Madrid oil to naturally enter high-end hospitality. “We want the oils of the DOP to be the raw material used by high-end hospitality and for consumers, like what already happens with wine, to start requesting dishes made with Madrid oil,” he noted. The comparison is not trivial: the Community of Madrid has managed in recent years to strengthen the prestige of its wines with designation of origin, and the oil aims to follow that path.
From Olive Grove to Table: A Product with Identity
Madrid oil is not a minor accompaniment. It can define a salad, finish a soup, transform a toast, or round off a stew. Its added value lies in its connection to the landscape: olive groves, native varieties, and an agricultural tradition that is part of the region's food identity. The DOP works to protect and promote this heritage, aiming for Madrid oil to be a regular choice in both homes and restaurants.
The award from the Madrid Academy of Gastronomy adds to a growing external projection. In just three years, the protected oils have garnered recognition in countries like Italy, the United States, and Japan, demonstrating that the product competes with the best in the world. For the consumer in Madrid, this means having a top-quality oil with a local seal in their pantry.
The president of the DOP emphasised the importance of consumers starting to request Madrid oil with the same awareness they already have when asking for a wine from the region. “We want the oil to be a recognisable ingredient, not only in home cooking but also in gourmet gastronomy,” he added.
A Promising Future for Madrid's Liquid Gold
The recognition comes at a time of consolidation for a sector that has managed to bet on quality. The Madrid mills, many of them family-run, have improved their production processes and embraced innovation without losing tradition. The result is extra virgin olive oils with their own personality, which have already won over the most discerning palates.
For residents of the Community of Madrid, the news presents an opportunity to rediscover a local product. The oils from the DOP can be found in specialised shops and some supermarkets, and their prices are competitive compared to other designations of origin. Additionally, many mills offer tours and tastings, a way to learn firsthand about the production process.
The president of the DOP concluded: “In Madrid, we have fantastic mills and oils that have nothing to envy from those of other regions. This award is a boost for Madrileños to feel proud of their oil and incorporate it into their daily lives.”
You may also like
