Varaždin pumpkin seed oil recognised again for its world-class quality
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
(Photo credit: Varaždinsko bučino ulje/Facebook)
Producers of Varaždin pumpkin seed oil have once again achieved international recognition, securing four gold medals at the 65th Monde Selection global quality awards held in Brussels.
The awards were presented in the food products category, with honours going to OPG Andreja Petrović, Uljara Agroprom – Patrčević, PPP Jurica Cafuk and SOPG Crleni Damir.
Varaždin County Prefect Anđelko Stričak congratulated the winners, highlighting the consistency of success over the years.
He noted that for the past seven years, three to four samples have been submitted annually, all of which have consistently received gold awards. This, he emphasised, demonstrates that producers maintain high standards regardless of previous achievements.
He added that with larger agricultural capacity and increased production volumes, Varaždin pumpkin seed oil could achieve even greater global reach.
Stričak also pointed out that the county continues to develop agriculture through rural development programmes, education, incentives and promotion. He stressed the importance of domestic products, describing them as healthy, high-quality and locally rooted.
(Photo: Varaždinsko bučino ulje)
Head of the Administrative Department for Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Dragutin Vincek, underlined the credibility of the judging process. He explained that each product is evaluated individually by every judge across 25 parameters grouped into seven categories, ensuring an objective outcome.
Vincek added that the ongoing success of Varaždin producers at the competition confirms the reliability of the evaluation system. He also noted that award-winning products can display the medal label for three years, offering additional marketing value.
This year’s results continue a strong track record, with Varaždin producers participating for seven consecutive years and collecting a total of 22 medals.
Notably, no submitted oil has ever been rejected, further reinforcing the consistent quality of the region’s pumpkin seed oil.
Monde Selection is an annual awards created in 1961. It is run by the commercial company, International Institute for Quality Selections, Brussels, Belgium.
