Australian Olive Association – the year in review
By Laura Thomas
It’s been another productive year for the Australian Olive Association, as it works to shape a positive future for the country’s burgeoning olive industry.
As the national peak industry body representing Australian olive growers, the AOA’s mission is to foster industry development.
And following a successful 2025 buoyed by strong consumer and investor interest in Australian olives, the future is looking bright.
Substantial grove plantings are occurring across the country and significant new investment occurring, highlighting confidence in the industry.
The price of extra virgin olive oil has also remained strong, as consumers better understand the health benefits, superior flavour profile and value of choosing high-quality Australian EVOO.
Read on below to find out about some the AOA’s key projects and achievements in 2025.
NSW DPIRD oil testing lab to remain open
Just last month it was announced olive oil testing would remain available via NSW DPIRD’s commercial edible oil and oilseed lab at Wagga Wagga, in a decision described as a big win for industry quality.
News of the facility’s planned closure came as a shock to the olive and oilseed industries, with leaders urging decision-makers to reconsider.
This included AOA president Mike Thomsett and Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan, who met with government officials to reiterate the importance of the service to the Australian olive industry.
Protecting the future of Australian olives
The AOA has continued its involvement in national Xylella planning and preparedness, as efforts to safeguard the nation’s agriculture sector from one of the most serious emerging plant disease threats worldwide continue.
This has included representation at national planning workshops other industries, research partners and government agencies, ensuring Australian olives are recognised as a high-risk host, and growers and producers remain at the forefront of discussions on prevention and response.
Close ties with Hort Innovation and the Department of Agriculture
The AOA’s close working relationship with Hort Innovation and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry continues to provide positive outcomes for the olive industry.
It has allowed the AOA to build relationships within government and engage on a much deeper level, ensuring the Australian olive industry is represented and considered in decision-making.
Read more about Hort Innovation’s work across the horticulture industry.
National Olive Industry Conference & Exhibition success
More than 150 delegates from across Australia turned out for the annual conference event in Adelaide from 28-30 October – the biggest contingent yet!
It was a jam-packed three days of learning and discovery, with plenty of positive feedback received from those in attendance.
The AOA’s conference organising team has already started planning the next event, with the regional city of Mildura confirmed as the 2026 event location (venue and dates TBC).
Read more about the 2025 event or take a look at the conference presentations.
Australian International Olive Awards 2025
The Australian International Olive Awards was successfully convened by the Australian Olive Association again in 2025, drawing a strong number of entries from across the country and the world.
Winners of the nation’s premier olive competition were announced in Adelaide on 30 October – and more than 200 platinum, gold, silver and bronze medals awarded – highlighting the supreme quality of Australian olive products and their diverse aromas, flavours and textures.
For full results, download the 2025 AIOA Results Book, or read the media release.
Industry education continues
The AOA continued roll out of its Back to Basics Field Day program in 2025, as part of its commitment to country-wide industry education and development.
Increased interest in the Australian olive industry has revealed thirst for knowledge among a growing number of new and established growers.
As a result, sell-out events were held across the country – including in Western Australia, where the AOA’s annual Olive Oil Processing Workshop was also held.
Led once again by international olive oil consultant Pablo Canamasas, the processing workshop has become an industry calendar staple for growers looking to improve the quality and extraction efficiency of their operation.
AOA membership strong
AOA membership continued to go from strength-to-strength during 2025, with many new members coming on board and former members returning.
As wider interest in the Australian olive industry continues to grow, AOA membership is a great way for producers to stay connected.
It also provides access to a wealth of knowledge and industry expertise, with AOA members receiving priority access to industry advocacy and advice, and official AOA communications.