Olive Oil News
Olives NZ has commenced compiling data collected through its recent Grove Census, based on more than 115 responses representing over 155 groves. Responses are still welcomed – particularly from the Auckland, Waiheke Island and Marlborough regions, which are currently under-represented – so if you haven’t done so, please complete and forward your form at the earliest convenience. All grower participation is most appreciated, contributing to this very important industry project. Send your completed form to, or request a form from, EO Gayle Sheridan at: [email protected].
An Olive Field Day is being held on Friday, 4 May at Murrindindi Olive Grove, Yea. Presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Murrindindi Olive Grove and Kingsford Machinery Sales & Service, the event is supported by AOA Victoria and will feature exhibitors and guest speakers on a range of relevant topics. The Murrindindi Olive Grove processing facility will be in full operation and accessible for viewing throughout the day. For more information contact Umberto Frattali on 0418 333 586 or [email protected], or Tom Tigani on 0429 377 886.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Adelaide is organising an Olive Study Tour of Italy and Spain for late 2012. Departing on November 4, the tour will encompass marketing, table olives, bottling and buyers. For more information call the Chamber on (08) 8232 4022 or email [email protected].
In the social entrepreneurial spirit, Australia’s award-winning, Yellingbo Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil has partnered with several of the most effective women and girls’ development organisations to create a groundbreaking online platform called, 2+U=Change. The company’s owner, Jeremy Meltzer, is an ambassador for women’s rights.
The new Constitution for Olives New Zealand was adopted unanimously at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on Saturday, 24 March in Auckland. Some 76 people attended the meeting, including seven non-member observers. The Executive will now work on implementing the new Constitution.
The organization ChileOliva, in conjunction with InnovaChile, will host a seminar entitled “Calidad del Aceite de Oliva, Procesamiento y Eficiencia” (Olive Oil Quality, Processing and Efficiency) on April 4 at the Hotel Diego de Almagro Rancagua in central Chile. The seminar will include lectures on the many aspects of extra virgin olive oil production: quality-determining factors, storage procedures, energy efficiency and processing methods, to name a few, and will feature expert panelists including our own Pablo Canamasas of Boundary Bend.
Implementing better growing and manufacturing processes along with increasing the use of modern analytical techniques and greater international regulation would ‘undoubtedly’ reduce the issues surrounding the quality of herbal extracts, say researchers.
Changes in varieties grown in Australian and New Zealand olive groves mark one of the most interesting movements within the industry over the past 12 months. Statistics gathered for the 2012 Australian and New Zealand Olive Industry Directory show significant decreases in four of the major varietals grown in Australia, and an upward swing in popularity for the Kalamata variety among New Zealand growers. The latter no doubt reflects the strong growth in table olive production experienced over the previous five years, a trend which the figures show has steadied in among New Zealand producers over the past year.
You’ll find this and all the industry information you need to know in the newly-released 2012 edition of the Olive Industry Directory. This vital annual reference book for the olive industry also includes: updated olivegrower and processor listings, supplier listings, Buyers’ Guide – one-stop supply shop, organisations, calendar of 2012 events, 2011 statistics and 2011 industry overview. To order call +618 8369 9555, email [email protected] or visit www.olivegrower.com.au.