We are incredibly proud to announce that our beloved Saqura extra virgin olive oil has been recognized as one of the finest olive oils from the 2024 vintage in the Sierra de Segura region.
On Friday, December 13, Saqura won a prestigious award at the Premio Ardilla 2025 (2025 harvest year) – the regional olive oil competition organized by the Denominación de Origen (DO) Sierra de Segura.
What makes the Premio Ardilla so important?
The Premio Ardilla (or "Squirrel Prizes") is awarded annually to the very best extra virgin olive oils from the Sierra de Segura region. This competition, known for its strict selection criteria, is organized by the DO Sierra de Segura, an organization that guarantees the origin and quality of olive oil from this region.
The province of Jaén is known worldwide as the birthplace of olive oil. The region has three important Protected Designations of Origin (DOPs):
- DO Sierra de Segura
- DO Sierra de Cazorla
- DO Sierra Mágina
Jaén produces a staggering 20% of the world's olive oil and over 40% of Spain's production. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and mountainous landscapes provides perfect conditions for growing olive trees.
Winning the Premio Ardilla means that Saqura is not only recognized as one of the region's finest olive oils, but also as part of Spain's rich olive oil culture.
Why is Saqura one of the best olive oils?
Saqura premium olive oil combines centuries-old traditions, the hard work of dedicated farmers in the Jaencoop/Olivar de Segura cooperative, the selection of the finest olives, and the expertise of the SCA San Francisco olive oil press. This collaboration distinguishes Saqura as one of the finest Spanish olive oils through its pure flavor, superior quality, and attention to detail at every step of the production process. The flavor and quality are guaranteed by cold-pressing the olives within 24 hours of harvesting.
Saqura is an extra virgin olive oil made from early-harvested olives. Saqura is the name Arab culture gave to the Sierra de Segura region during its Golden Age. The olive oil comes from a traditional olive grove, 75 to 100 years old, located in the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.
By pressing green olives, which give them their spectacular color, Saqura boasts an intensely fruity flavor profile with a fresh aroma of freshly mown grass, tomato, and almond, along with hints of green apple. The flavor is intense and perfectly balanced, making it the finest olive oil from the Sierra de Segura region.
I personally like Saqura best with cold dishes, for example with a piece of bread, on salads or as a garnish for pasta.
Ardilla Awards
The Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Sierra de Segura annually awards the Premios Ardilla to the participating olive oil presses that achieve the best production.
These awards were established with the main aim of encouraging producers to supply high-quality olive oil of the highest quality, and to reward institutions or individuals who have selflessly contributed to strengthening the reputation of the Denominación de Origen Sierra de Segura as a guarantor of quality.
Winning the Premio Ardilla is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. This award confirms that Saqura not only meets the strict requirements of the Denominación de Origen Sierra de Segura but even excels within the competition. If you're looking for the best olive oil, with Saqura you can count on a product that represents the highest standard of Spanish olive oil.
Taste the quality of Saqura
Looking for the best Spanish olive oil? With Saqura, you'll find an award-winning olive oil that combines tradition, quality, and craftsmanship. Taste the passion of the Sierra de Segura!
