The Croatian olive scene is experiencing historic moments, and confirmation of its growing importance on the global stage arrives in the form of a prestigious international event. The island of Brač, the cradle of a centuries-old tradition of olive growing, will become the center of world olive excellence. Namely, from September 16 to 18, 2025, the picturesque town of Postira will host the first International Olive Oil Symposium organized by the renowned Olive Oil Times. This event, held in Croatia for the first time, represents the crown of many years of success for Croatian olive growers and heralds a new era for domestic olive oil.

The organization of this symposium has not been entrusted to just anyone. Behind it all is the powerful media house Olive Oil Times, which is also the founder of the world's most prestigious olive oil competition – the NYIOOC (New York International Olive Oil Competition). It is precisely at the NYIOOC competition that Croatian olive growers, especially those from Istra and Dalmacija, achieve incredible success year after year, winning hundreds of gold and silver medals. These results have not gone unnoticed; they have firmly positioned Croatia as a country that produces some of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world. The arrival of their parent organization on Croatian soil is a direct consequence of and recognition for this tireless work, knowledge, and passion.

The World's Olive Elite on a Dalmatian Island

Over three days, Postira will host leading world experts, producers, scientists, distributors, and olive oil lovers. The symposium's program is designed to provide a platform for education, exchange of experiences, and networking at the highest level. Lectures are expected on the latest trends in olive growing, from innovative cultivation and processing techniques to marketing and branding strategies in the demanding global market. Special emphasis will be placed on sustainability, organic production, and the preservation of indigenous varieties, which are topics where Croatia has much to offer.

This gathering is not only an opportunity for Croatian olive growers to learn from the best but also a unique chance to present the richness and diversity of their oils to the world. The focus will be on indigenous varieties such as the Brač Oblica, which is a symbol of the island and the foundation of local olive growing. Through guided tastings and workshops, international guests will have the opportunity to discover the unique aromas and flavors of oils derived from the specific Dalmatian terroir – a combination of sparse soil, abundant sun, and the influence of the sea. The ambitious goal of the symposium, as stated by the organizers, is to permanently place Croatia on the global map of olive excellence, not only as a country of top-quality oils but also as an unmissable destination for oleotourism.

Postira – A Symbol of Tradition and the Future of Olive Growing

The choice of Postira on the island of Brač as the location for such an important event is deeply symbolic. Brač is an island with a thousand-year tradition of olive growing, where the olive tree is revered as a sacred tree and its oil is considered liquid gold. Generations of families have woven their lives into the olive groves that adorn the gentle island landscapes. It is precisely here, in the combination of inherited knowledge and modern technologies, that the secret to the success of Brač oils lies.

Curtis Cord, the founder of Olive Oil Times and president of the NYIOOC, emphasized the importance of this story. "Generations of local producers and the knowledge passed down for decades play a key role in the story of Croatian olive oil. The symposium is a rare opportunity for an international exchange of experiences and recognition of that story on a global level," stated Cord. His words emphasize that the quality of the oil is not just the result of a technical process, but also a reflection of culture, history, and the deep connection between man and nature. By bringing world experts to the site, the organizers want to enable this authentic story to be experienced firsthand. Guests will be able to walk through ancient olive groves, talk with local producers, and feel the passion behind every drop of award-winning oil. A stay in Postira will provide them with an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Strong Institutional Support as a Pledge of Success

Organizing such a complex and significant event would not be possible without the strong support of local and national institutions. The symposium is held with the key support of the Municipality of Postira, which has recognized a unique opportunity to promote its town and island. The project has also received the high patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia, which confirms its strategic importance for the development of tourism and the overall economy. Support has also been provided by numerous other partners, including the Split-Dalmatia County, the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, the Postira Municipality Tourist Board, the company Jadran d.d., and the Agrotklub association, which is in charge of reporting on the event. This broad coalition of stakeholders is a guarantee that the symposium will be organized at the highest professional level.

The event will take place in the luxurious ambiance of the Grand Hotel View in Postira, which, with its facilities and top-notch service, will ensure perfect conditions for the participants' work and socializing. The symposium marks a crucial moment for Croatian olive growing – the transition from the position of a hidden treasury to that of a recognized leader in the world of top-quality olive oils. For all interested producers and experts, this is an opportunity not to be missed. More information about the program, speakers, and registration process is available on the official event website at postira.oliveoiltimes.com.