Bulgarian company "Bio Bulgaria," known under the "Harmonika" brand, has won the award for best small or medium-sized enterprise in organic food processing at the fifth edition of the EU Organic Awards. The news was announced by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
To reach the top spot, the company was named among the three finalists in its category, then went on to beat Spain's Cantero de Letur and Austria's Genusskoarl. The winners were revealed at an official ceremony in Brussels, held to coincide with EU Organic Day.
Bio Bulgaria relies on short supply chains, fair trade and close work with local communities, the EESC explained. Over the past decade, the company has helped dozens of Bulgarian organic producers find stable markets. It promotes education, keeps organic products affordably priced, and turns waste into new goods.
This year the EU Organic Awards comprise seven prizes across six categories, the European Commission noted.
The title of Best Female Organic Farmer went to Kate O'Sullivan of Ireland. She runs Glin Farm, a 63-hectare livestock operation raising cattle and sheep that has held organic certification for 16.5 years.
Among the men, the award went to Hans Erik Jørgensen of Denmark. His mixed farm covers 350 hectares and raises pigs, cattle and laying hens alongside a variety of crops. His farm has held organic certification for 19 years.
The category for Best SME in Organic Food Processing was won by Bio Bulgaria. Founded in 2016, the company employs 47 people, and its portfolio includes more than 30 partner products. Beyond supporting local organic producers through stable markets and short supply chains, the company champions fair trade, affordable prices and clear food provenance. It promotes organic products in schools and the media, while also backing the circular economy.
The award for Best Organic Restaurant or Catering Service went to Zotter Schokolade of Austria. Boschammer Hof of Germany was named Best Organic Retailer.
The title of Best Organic City went to Cussac-Fort-Médoc in France — a town of 2,326 residents where 50 percent of the food served in school canteens is organic, thanks to a pioneering municipal agriculture service.
Italy's Distretto Sardegna Bio was named Best Organic Region. Established in 2021, it is the largest organic district in Italy, spanning 24,090 square kilometers and encompassing 2,600 organic farming enterprises and 184,000 hectares of organic farmland. The region brings together producers, processors and consumers through local supply chains, public procurement and rural energy communities, while also supporting retailers, exports and short supply chains.
The European Commission said this year's winners have upheld the high bar set by previous laureates and are offering new, sustainable solutions across the entire organic production chain in Europe. "Their work shows how organic farming and processing can add value. They create communities and jobs in rural areas, and turn sustainability goals into concrete action. In doing so, they are helping to support the food systems of the future," the Commission stated.
The Commission added that it remains committed to supporting the organic sector and the entire chain around it, strengthening its competitiveness and upholding high standards. Under the future Common Agricultural Policy after 2027, the EU budget will continue to develop organic farming and sector innovation, drawing on research and the European Competitiveness Fund, the Commission said.
EESC President Oliver Röpke — wait, EESC President Séamus Boland — remarked that this year's award winners showcase the remarkable diversity and creativity within the organic sector. "From social farming and home delivery services to restaurants, zoos, tasting venues and community initiatives — they demonstrate how organic businesses can successfully combine sustainability, innovation and local engagement. Their achievements are an inspiration for Europe's sustainable future," he said.
Bulgarian Stoyan Tchoukanov, president of the EESC's NAT Section (Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment), also commented on the results. According to him, the contest's winners show that organic production is not just about the way food is made. "It's about the kind of food system we want to build in Europe — one that works for farmers, businesses, consumers and the environment," Tchoukanov said.
"From processing to retail and restaurants, these projects prove that sustainability and economic viability can go hand in hand. We need to create the conditions for such initiatives to grow, so they can reach more consumers and inspire others across Europe," he added.
This year's edition of the awards drew more than 120 applications from across the EU, with 21 finalists from 12 countries making the shortlist.
The EU Organic Awards are organized by the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Committee of the Regions, Copa-Cogeca and IFOAM Organics Europe, with the European Parliament and the Council taking part in the evaluation process.
This is not the first time Bulgarian organic producers have been recognized at these awards. Last year, first place in the Best Female Organic Producer category for 2025 went to Albina Yasinska of the Rozino organic farm. A year before that, Bulgaria was again represented among the finalists in the same category by Blagovesta Vasileva of Divata Ferma.