Excellent news for lovers of Basque flavors!
EARL POCHELU Ramuntxo has just won the Gold Medal at the 2026 Concours Général Agricole for its flagship spice: AOP Espelette Pepper powder. This prestigious award above all recognizes demanding agricultural work, careful hand harvesting, and a family know-how passed on with passion in the heart of the Basque Country.
🌱 An award that honors true farming work
Behind this gold medal lies real fieldwork.
At EARL POCHELU Ramuntxo, producing the authentic AOP Espelette Pepper starts long before the powder stage: it begins in the greenhouses, continues in the fields, and involves the entire production team.
Each season:
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plants are carefully monitored
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peppers are hand-harvested at perfect maturity
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sorting is carried out with great precision
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drying is done slowly at low temperature
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grinding is fine and consistent
This patient process guarantees a powder with subtle, warm, fruity aromas, fully true to the Protected Designation of Origin.
👉 This gold medal therefore recognizes committed, local, family farming, where every step matters.
👨🌾 A production team at the heart of the success
This national recognition is above all a collective achievement.
From greenhouse sowing to final grinding, the entire farm team contributes to the high quality standards:
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crop monitoring
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manual field work
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traditional stem removal
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drying supervision
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rigorous quality control
It is this human chain, faithful to traditional Basque methods, that allows EARL POCHELU Ramuntxo to reach the highest level of the 2026 Concours Général Agricole.
🏆 The Concours Général Agricole, a national benchmark
Held every year during the Paris International Agricultural Show, the Concours Général Agricole is one of France’s most prestigious competitions for regional food products.
Its key features:
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blind tastings
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independent juries
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very strict quality criteria
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official recognition of French agricultural expertise
Winning a medal — and especially a Gold Medal — is a major benchmark for producers and a trusted signal for consumers.
🛍️ Where to buy the award-winning AOP Espelette Pepper powder
Good news: you can easily find this Gold Medal 2026 AOP Espelette Pepper powder:
✅ Direct from the producer
📍 At the Atelier du Piment shop in Espelette
or
✅ Online with fast delivery
💻 On our official online store
Whether you are a food lover, passionate cook, or simply curious to discover the true taste of the Basque Country, now is the perfect time to try a nationally awarded product.
👀 Come and experience the Atelier du Piment
Beyond the medal, the best way to understand this success is to visit us.
At Atelier du Piment in Espelette, you can:
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discover the behind-the-scenes production
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understand each processing step
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meet our team
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join a guided tour with tasting
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buy directly from the producer
An ideal outing for families, friends, or groups during your stay in the Basque Country.
📌 In summary
The 2026 Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole rewards much more than a spice: it recognizes the work of a family farm, the commitment of a dedicated team, and the respect for Basque agricultural tradition.
👉 Ready to taste the difference?
Visit the Atelier du Piment in Espelette or our online store to discover the Gold Medal 2026 AOP Espelette Pepper powder.
