We are extremely proud to share that our beloved Saqura extra virgin olive oil has been awarded as one of the best olive oils of the 2024 vintage from the Sierra de Segura.
On Friday, December 13, Saqura won a prestigious award at the Premio Ardilla 2025 (harvest year 2025) – 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. This competition is known for its strict selection criteria and is organized by the DO Sierra de Segura, an organization that guarantees the origin and quality of the olive oil from this area.
The province of Jaén is known worldwide as the birthplace of olive oil. The region has three important DOs (Protected Designations of Origin, PDO):
- DO Sierra de Segura
- DO Sierra de Cazorla
- DO Sierra Magina
Jaén produces as much as 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 here provides perfect conditions for growing olive trees.
Winning the Premio Ardilla means that Saqura is not only recognised as one of the region’s finest olive oils, but also part of Spain’s rich olive oil culture.
Why is Saqura one of the best olive oils?
The premium Saqura olive oil combines age-old traditions, the hard work of dedicated farmers in the Jaencoop/Olivar de Segura cooperative, selection of the best olives, and the expertise of the SCA San Francisco olive oil press. This collaboration makes Saqura stand out as one of the best Spanish olive oils for its pure taste, best quality, and attention to detail in every step of the production process. The taste and quality is guaranteed by cold pressing the olives within 24 hours of picking (cold pressing).
The Saqura is an extra virgin olive oil made from early harvested olives. Saqura is the name that the Arab culture gave to the Sierra de Segura region during its Golden Age. The olive oil comes from a traditional olive grove of 75 to 100 years old, located in the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.
By pressing green olives, which give it its spectacular colour, Saqura has a flavour profile with an intense fruity taste, a fresh aroma of freshly cut grass, tomato plant and almond, with hints of green apple. The taste is very intense and perfectly balanced and the tastiest olive oil from the Sierra de Segura region.
I personally like the Saqura best with cold preparations, for example with a piece of bread, over salads or to garnish 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 oils 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 also excels within the competition. If you are 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 get an award-winning olive oil that combines tradition, quality and craftsmanship. Taste the passion of the Sierra de Segura!
