640 olive oils from 23 countries judged in blind tasting
– Marcum Olive Oil, based in Paso Robles, recently took home Best of Show for its Coratina extra virgin olive oil at the Athena International Olive Oil Competition in Athens, Greece.
Grant and Lonnie Marcum, founders of Marcum Olive Oil, accepted the award during a ceremony at Zappeion Hall, a historic venue built in 1888 for the revival of the first modern Olympic Games.
“This really was a dream come true,” Lonnie Marcum said. “To be recognized in such a historic and meaningful place, surrounded by our peers, was humbling. We are returning home with a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to Athena’s mission: Expanding Excellence in Olive Oil.”
The competition featured 640 olive oils from 23 countries. A jury of 30 internationally recognized judges conducted blind tastings over three days. Marcum’s Coratina oil was selected as the highest-scoring entry overall.
This is the second consecutive year that Marcum Olive Oil has received the top honor, making it the first North American producer to win best of show, and the first to do so in back-to-back years.
“Some thought your 2024 ‘Best of Show’ wasn’t possible,” said Athena president Constantine Stergides. “But the second win couldn’t be denied. About 40 Double Gold oils were re-tasted—twice—and yours came out first with a strong consensus, even ahead of two super-olive oils from Spain and Italy.”
In addition to best of show, Marcum Olive Oil earned several other top honors: best single varietal, best olive oil by country (USA), best entry per cultivar (Coratina), and a Double Gold medal for scoring above 95 out of 100.
Maria Olson, acting U.S. ambassador to Greece, presented the award and recognized the Marcums for their contribution to American excellence in olive oil production.
“We are deeply honored,” said Grant Marcum. “Winning Athena best of show on the world stage—especially as the first from the United States—validates our dedication to sustainable growing practices, meticulous harvesting, and state-of-the-art olive processing.”
Founded in 2008 in Paso Robles, Marcum Olive Oil has won more than 40 awards in the past four years, including best of class, best of California, and best of show at both state and international competitions.
The Marcum family began producing olive oil with a focus on sustainable farming. Their work intensified after their daughter developed severe allergies due to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, making olive oil one of her few safe food sources.
“In 2018, my daughter was allergic to all but three foods, with my olive oil being her only source of healthy fats,” Grant Marcum said. “That is when I really started to research how to help my olive trees thrive and our production methods ensured the healthiest extra virgin olive oil.”
Grant Marcum is a full-time dentist and a graduate in biological sciences from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He later attended the University of Southern California Dental School.
Located in Paso Robles, once known as the almond capital of the world and now recognized for its wine and olive oil, Marcum Olive Oil blends traditional farming methods with modern techniques to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.