Dubrovnik once again confirmed its status as a leading destination for business and professional events at the end of March, hosting the 28th International Meeting of Olive Growers and Oil Producers – Noćnjak 2026. Held from the 26th to the 29th of March at the Dubrovnik President Hotel and Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, the event brought together leading producers, experts and scientists from Croatia and abroad, once again demonstrating the strong synergy between agriculture, tourism and science.
Organised by the Cooperative Union of Dalmatia and held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, Noćnjak once again confirmed its importance as a central meeting point for the olive-growing sector. With strong institutional support and the participation of numerous partners, Dubrovnik hosted an event that successfully connects tradition, innovation and sustainable development.
During the competition segment, a total of 496 samples were submitted, including 442 olive oil samples and 54 olive-based products. The international character of the event was particularly evident, alongside 401 samples from Croatia, 95 samples arrived from abroad, further confirming Noćnjak’s regional and international reputation.
Quality and Innovation in Focus
The Noćnjak programme included three main evaluation categories: packaged olive oils, open (bulk) olive oils and olive-based products. A professional panel from the Cooperative Union of Dalmatia, composed of certified sensory evaluators, assessed the samples over several months, with results highlighting an exceptionally high level of quality and continued progress in production.
In the packaged olive oil category, producers from across Croatia stood out, while entries from Slovenia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina added further depth to the competition. In the open oil category, domestic producers dominated, with awards given to the best samples based on intensity and overall quality.
Olive-based products, including food items, cosmetics and olive wood products, showcased the breadth of innovation and creativity within the sector, ranging from gourmet delicacies to natural cosmetic products.
Expert Programme and Knowledge Exchange
At the opening ceremony, welcome addresses were delivered by Lordan Ljubenkov, president of the Cooperative Union of Dalmatia and envoy of President Milanović; Mato Franković, Mayor of Dubrovnik; Zrinka Raguž, State Secretary at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds; and David Vlajčić, envoy of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who officially opened the 28th Noćnjak.
On behalf of the organisers, Ljubenkov presented an olive tree sapling to Minister Vlajčić, who promised to plant it in Vukovar. Following the ceremony, awards were presented to laureates in olive growing and oil production.
In addition to the competition, Noćnjak 2026 featured a rich scientific and professional programme. The first part was moderated by Dr Predrag Vujević from the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food, and the second by Dr Mirella Žanetić from the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation. Experts presented the latest research on olive varieties, the impact of climate change, the health benefits of olive oil and the application of digital technologies in olive cultivation.
Round tables, workshops and practical sessions were also held, enabling participants to exchange knowledge and experiences. Particular attention was given to a masterclass on the sensory analysis of olive oil, as well as topics related to sustainability and innovation in production.
The olive growing and oil production fair, product exhibition and Olio Bar brought together around 500 exhibitors – companies, crafts, cooperatives and family farms – offering participants a valuable platform for networking and promotion.
Mljet as an Example of Sustainable Development
A special segment of the programme was a study visit to the island of Mljet, where around 300 participants had the opportunity to explore examples of sustainable and environmentally friendly production. A visit to an eco-farm and the Mljet National Park, followed by a lunch featuring local delicacies, as well as a cultural folklore programme and live music, further enriched the participants’ experience, combining professional content with an authentic destination experience.
Such programmes highlight the importance of integrating business events with local offerings and natural heritage, further positioning Dubrovnik and its surroundings as an attractive destination for the MICE segment.
Noćnjak 2026 once again demonstrated how Dubrovnik successfully combines high-level event organisation with a rich cultural and natural offering, creating a unique experience for participants and further strengthening its international reputation in the field of business tourism.
