By Ugur Aslanhan

ISTANBUL

Turkish olive oil producer Nova Vera has won four medals, including three golds in a recent competition held in the United States, the company said Thursday.

Balikesir-based Nova Vera was the only Turkish producer to win a gold medal among the competitors in the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition on Feb. 18, the company said.

The Turkish distiller bagged one gold medal in the strong flavor category with its early harvest product, and two other gold medals in packaging design with its early harvest and Aegean extra virgin olive oils.

Nova Vera's Aegean also won a bronze medal in the medium-strong flavor category.

Some 658 olive oils extracted by 371 producers from 21 countries took part in the competition which is now in its 19th year.

Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition is regarded as the top-tier extra virgin olive oil contest in the U.S. and the fifth worldwide.

*Can Erozden contributed to this story from Ankara