Once again, 2023 witnessed Lebanon standing proudly among the world’s top producers of extra-virgin olive oil, with “Bustan El Zeitoun” garnering three international awards and solidifying its position among the top 100 players in the industry.
Nestled in Abra – Saida, a small town of Southern Lebanon, “Bustan El Zeitoun” breathes new life into a national industry that had long been in disarray. Drawing inspiration from the rich history, culture, and heritage of his hometown, Abra – Saida in Southern Lebanon, where olive trees have been preserved for generations, founder of “Bustan El Zeitoun”, Walid Mushantaf combined his will and passion to produce internationally award-winning extra virgin olive oil. What seemed like a distant fiction became reality through his commitment, knowledge, and respect for the environment and the land.
The latest recognitions, which are nothing short of outstanding, include three gold medals respectively won at the renowned “NYIOOC” World Olive Oil Quality Competition 2023 held in New York, USA; the esteemed “EVOOLEUM” competition 2023 in Cordoba, Spain, which showcases the finest 100 extra-virgin olive oils in the world; and the prestigious “Olive Japan International Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Competition” 2023 in Tokyo. This success story reasserts Lebanon’s flagship position in a highly competitive industry and establishes the small country as a prominent player and force to be reckoned with on the global stage of exceptional extra-virgin olive oil production.
Spanning 500,000 square meters, their orchard boasts twelve Italian varieties alongside local cultivars. For more than a decade, “Bustan El Zeitoun” has adopted and embraced modern, sustainable, and eco-friendly farming techniques, thus combining best-in-class practices with global expertise to ensure the best care is given to their planted olive trees. These trees are specifically chosen, taking into consideration the soil and weather conditions of Lebanon in order to preserve the unique and harmonious taste and flavor that characterizes Lebanese olives and olive oil.
The selection process for the three competitions is carried out by a panel of distinguished worldwide experts who are internationally recognized for their expertise in olive oil tasting. Beyond the selection itself, the evaluation stage is a key component of the rigorous process as it follows extremely precise criteria and standards. These experts meticulously evaluate the olive oil samples, subjecting them to rigorous physical, chemical, and sensory tests to assess their quality, acidity level, flavor, taste, and the distinctiveness of their bouquet of flavors and aromas.
At “Bustan El Zeitoun”, quality takes precedence over quantity. As such, production follows a thorough and meticulous management process. Harvesting begins during the green phase of the olives, using early morning hand-picked techniques to preserve quality and optimize productivity. Within a mere four hours after the harvest, the olives are methodically cleaned and sorted, with each cultivar being processed separately at the on-site olive oil mill. This critical stage guarantees the freshness, health benefits, and nutritional properties of the olives are preserved all the while preventing oxidation and sustaining low acidity levels. Throughout the production process of their extra-virgin olive oil, “Bustan El Zeitoun” employs state-of-the-art equipment, procured in full compliance with international food safety and quality standards. The oil then undergoes extensive laboratory and sensory testing before filtration and storage, to ensure compliance with international quality and food safety norms.
Thus far, it is passion, respect for the land, and the adoption of good Agricultural practices that have paved the way of “Bustan El Zeitoun” towards international recognition, allowing it to amass over 20 prestigious awards in various countries including the United States, Italy, Japan, Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon.
Among these accolades, the NYIOOC award particularly stands out, as it is the fourth time since 2018 that “Bustan El Zeitoun” receives this esteemed honor. The EVOOLEUM competition is also notable, as it is known as a definitive guide to the top 100 extra-virgin olive oil worldwide, and has awarded “Bustan El Zeitoun” a score of 91/1000. This will result in the Lebanese brand being included in the EVOOLEUM 2024 guide published by Spain’s Mercacei magazine, which specializes in olive tree farming and the olive oil industry at global scale. Additionally, the Gold Medal awarded to “Bustan El Zeitoun” at the Olive Japan International Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Competition 2023 speaks volumes as this competition is internationally recognized as one of the most important events in the olive oil industry.
“Since we embarked on this journey in 2008, we have accumulated invaluable experience and expertise in producing a truly unique extra-virgin olive oil,” says Walid Mushantaf, founder of “Bustan El Zeitoun”. “We have hugely benefited from the support of dedicated local and international consultants and product specialists. Through such projects and acknowledgements, Lebanese entrepreneurs showcase their ability to demonstrate excellence in the food industry, thus reenforcing the sector’s capacity to compete on the global map.” Mushantaf adds, “Olive and olive oil production originated from Lebanon and the Eastern Mediterranean with the Phoenicians, who played a significant role in introducing it to the rest of the world. For me, the olive tree, with its sanctity, firmness, resilience, and generosity, symbolizes perseverance, challenge, and a strong attachment to the land.”
About “Bustan El Zeitoun”:
The story of “Bustan El Zeitoun” dates back to 2008 when its founder, Walid Mushantaf, embarked on a journey to turn his dream into reality. Born and raised in Abra, Mushantaf spent 15 years in the Gulf before returning to Lebanon in 2008, a time of rapid urbanization in the country’s history. He chose to align himself with nature, planting 500 hectares of olive trees alongside other fruit-bearing trees. By doing so, Mushantaf crystalized his strong belief in the reciprocity that stems from giving back to Mother Nature.
“When you give to mother nature, it honors you back.”
His exceptional production of the finest types of internationally recognized extra-virgin olive oil serves as a testament to the truth of this belief.
Today, “Bustan El Zeitoun” is a well-established, highly acclaimed Lebanese brand. Its commitment to preserving an ancestral tradition, by weaving the threads of Lebanese heritage with cutting-edge modern techniques, sets it apart from the competition and results in its unique signature – one that is recognized by internationally acclaimed judges.