The Bulgarian company "Bio Bulgaria," known to consumers under the brand for clean foods  "Harmonica," is among the finalists of this year's European Union Organic Production Awards. The Bulgarian company has been nominated in one of the most contested categories – "Best Small and Medium Enterprise for Organic Food Processing." To win the grand prize, "Bio Bulgaria" will have to overcome serious competition from the Spanish organic dairy company Cantero de Letur and the Austrian company Genusskoarl, known for its vegan sauces made from crops traditional to the country, such as lupine and oats.

Strong Competition

Reaching the final three pits the "Harmonica" brand against two companies with exceptional contributions to the European organic system and social responsibility.

finalists

Cantero de Letur (Spain) is a pioneer in the production of organic dairy products on the Iberian Peninsula, with a focus on goat and sheep milk. Based in the small mountain village of Letur, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, the company has a significant social mission. It is a key driver in the fight against rural depopulation – a problem known as "empty Spain" (España Vaciada). Through its sustainable business model, Cantero de Letur provides jobs for the local community while applying the highest standards of animal welfare and organic production.

Genusskoarl GmbH (Austria) is the Austrian contender for the awards. The company, located in Volkersdorf, is a symbol of innovation in modern cuisine.

The company gained immense popularity with its product – Wiener Würze ("Viennese seasoning"). This is a fully organic, vegan alternative to traditional soy sauce, but produced without soy. Instead, locally popular crops such as sweet lupine and oats are used. Production relies on the slow fermentation method, where the mixture matures for several months, during which enzymes naturally break down the proteins from lupine and oats, creating the sauce's characteristic deep flavor.

Genusskoarl is a benchmark for the circular economy, proving that exotic flavors can be created entirely from local raw materials.

Against these serious rivals, the nomination is a huge recognition for "Harmonica." The Bulgarian brand started in 2006 with the mission to revive the authentic taste of Bulgarian yogurt. Today, the company's portfolio includes dozens of certified organic products, and their working model helps local farmers transition to sustainable agriculture, preserving the purity of Bulgarian soils.

The EU Organic Production Awards for 2026

The EU Organic Production Awards mark their fifth edition, having been established in 2022. Their aim is to recognize achievements across the entire value chain of organic production – from farmers and restaurants to small and medium-sized processing enterprises and cities. They also increase the overall visibility of the organic value chain and develop knowledge about the EU organic production logo.

The winners have the opportunity to present their projects to a wider audience, showcasing best practices.

The jury, composed of representatives from the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and leading industry organizations such as COPA-COGECA and IFOAM, has selected a total of 21 finalists from 12 member states in seven different categories. Among them are awards for the best farmer (male and female), best organic region, city, and restaurant.

The European Commission officially announced the contenders for the prestigious 2026 awards on June 23, 2026, in Brussels. This year's finalists in the various categories are:

Best Organic Farmer (Woman)

Susana Vilar, Sonim, Vila Real, Portugal

Kay O'Sullivan, Mourneabbey, Cork, Ireland

Argyro Koutsouradi, Chalkio, Chios, Greece

Best Organic Farmer (Man)

Hans Erik Jørgensen, Risbjerg Landbrug, Hårby, Denmark

Alfred Grand, GRAND FARM for Research and Demonstration, Absdorf, Lower Austria, Austria

Georgios Antonopoulos, AGROKTIMA ANTONOPOULOU, Farsala, Thessaly, Greece

Best Organic Region / "Bio-District"

Distretto Sardegna Bio, Sardinia, Italy

Alto Tâmega e Barroso, Chaves, Portugal

Pla de Manlleu, El Pla de Manlleu, Spain

Best Organic City

Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Gironde, France

Hellemmes, Lille, France

Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Best Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) for Organic Food Processing

Bio Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria

Cantero de Letur S.A., Letur (Albacete), Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Genusskoarl GmbH, Volkersdorf, Lower Austria, Austria

Best Organic Food Retailer

Boßhammersch Hof GmbH & Co. KG, Großselheim, Hesse, Germany

Relio Digital Marketplaces – ÖkoPiactér (Organic Market), Budapest, Hungary

OHNE, Ghent, Flanders, Belgium

Best Organic Restaurant/Food Service

Zotter Schokolade GmbH, Riegersburg, Styria, Austria

Chef Partie's Premium Brand VOI.bio, Salzburg, Austria

Köglerhof, Gramastetten, Upper Austria, Austria

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brussels on September 23 – the date traditionally marking EU Organic Day.

Why is Organic Farming a Priority for Europe?

The nomination of the Bulgarian company comes against the backdrop of Europe's increasingly strong focus on organic farming. According to European Commission data, by 2023, the area of organic farmland in the Union had reached 17.7 million hectares, representing nearly 11% of all agricultural land.

Organic production is key to reducing chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics in agriculture. It has a proven positive effect on the climate, biodiversity, and animal welfare. That is precisely why targeted funding for the sector is provided in all 28 strategic plans of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and at the end of 2025, Brussels proposed new updates to the rules to protect European organic producers and increase their competitiveness on the global market.

More on the topic:

Bulgaria was awarded first place for the best female organic farmer at the European Organic Production Awards

The EU Organic Farming Awards – important recognition in the field of organic production

Troyan is a finalist in an EU competition for organic production