We are delighted to announce that Little Olive Oil has won its very first award. Our Kalinjot Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil received a Gold Award in the Quality category at the 2025 Global Olive Oil Stars part of the London International Olive Oil Competition.
This recognition means the world to us. It marks a significant milestone for our company, which only launched in March 2025. From the beginning, we set out to offer Albanian extra virgin olive oils of exceptional flavour and character, made with care. To be acknowledged so early on, and in such a competitive global field, is an honour and a real moment of pride.
Why Kalinjot Pure is a Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kalinjot Pure is our premium extra virgin olive oil, made entirely from a single olive variety native to southern Albania. The Kalinjot olive is known for its rich flavour and naturally high polyphenol content, which gives the oil its distinct bitterness, pepperiness, and health-promoting qualities. Harvested early in the season and cold-extracted using mechanical methods only, this is a superior category of olive oil.
The olives are grown in the hills above the Ionian Sea near the city of Vlorë, in the villages of Skrofotinë, Cerkovinë, and Trevllazër. There, the salty breeze, stony soil, and traditional farming practices all contribute to the oil's complex, well-balanced taste. Each olive variety is carefully selected by the Pobrati family, drawing on five generations of experience.
Kalinjot stands apart not only for its taste but for its story. As a single-varietal oil, it captures the unique characteristics of a rare olive variety that has been cultivated for centuries. The result is a smooth and deeply flavourful oil that complements everything from roasted vegetables and grilled fish to fresh bread and seasonal salads.
Our Founder on Kalinjot Pure and the Gold Award Win
Our founder, Herman Pobrati, shared a few words on what this gold award means to him and the Little Olive Oil journey so far.
"Launching Little Olive Oil has been my life's dream. I grew up with olive trees, learning from my grandparents, and I have always wanted to share that love and knowledge with others. This award is not just about the quality of the extra virgin olive oil but about honouring a tradition that goes back generations. I hope this is the first of many milestones as we continue to grow.
We would like to thank the judges at LIOOC and everyone who has supported us so far, from customers and early backers to friends and family who believed in this idea from the very beginning. If you haven't tried Kalinjot Pure yet, now is an excellent time to experience the oil that put us on the map.”
Taste the Gold Award-winning Kalinjot Pure and bring a little of Albania's olive-growing heritage to your table. You can explore our collection of extra-virgin olive oil and place an order online from our Albanian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shop.
