5. United States
Points – 12
Olives may not grow natively in the Americas, but Spanish colonists brought them over back in the day when the New World was being (re)discovered. The United States grows a few varieties of olives and it produces about 10,000 tons per year.
While it may not be one of the biggest olive oil manufacturers, the United States has managed to have a very successful year. Out of 94 different olive oils entered in the New York contest, 38 won some kind of award. More specifically, one brought in the “best” title, 19 won a gold medal and 18 a silver medal, which is quite impressive.
The United States of America exported about 4,000 tons of olive oil in the past year, a drop from the 6,000 tons it exported in prior years. The most popular olives to grow in the USA are the Castelvetrano and the Arbosana.
