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A new grade of olive oil is among changes that could spring from an action plan for Europe’s ailing olive oil sector. Also being discussed are measures to promote quality via better fraud detection and deterrence, such as stricter and more frequent testing; financial incentives to reduce fragmentation among producers, thereby increasing their bargaining power with large retail chains; and increasing the leadership of the International Olive Council (IOC) by admitting countries where olive oil is not produced but is consumed.
Here’s how Greece can dominate the lucrative global olive oil, feta cheese and greek yogurt business
Financial distress and political turmoil persists in Greece. And now a Greek exit from the euro is what everyone is buzzing about these days. However, there are numerous actions Greece can take to help turnaround its desperate financial position. Earlier this year, consulting firm McKinsey & Co. published a study titled Greece 10 Years Ahead: Defining Greece’s New Growth Model and Strategy, a new growth plan for the financially beleaguered country. Among other things, McKinsey argues that Greece needs to be more involved in processing foods that currently leave its country as low margin unfinished goods. Greece has some of the most amazing food commodities in the world. However, it lacks the capacity to process it and sell it at high profit margins.
Plunging olive oil prices are leaving Middle East farmers struggling, with margins squeezed by the economic woes of heavily indebted Mediterranean countries. Olive oil prices fell to US$2,921.46 per tonne last month, compared with highs of $5,853.98 per tonne in 2006, according to data from the IMF. Countries in the Levant, where olives were first cultivated for use in oils, account for more than a quarter of global production and a significant quantity of exports, according to the International Olive Oil Council.
Details of the 2012 AOA National Conference & Trade Exhibition have now been confirmed. The event will be held in South Australia on Wednesday, 31 October and Thursday, 1 November 2012 at the West Lakes Function Centre. The venue is just 20 minutes from Adelaide and 15 minutes from the airport, and adjacent to the city’s major beachfront accommodation and attractions. The annual national EVOO awards will be held in conjunction with the event on the evening of 31 October.
Registration and entries are now open for the South West Olive Association’s fourth annual Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. Judging will take place on or about 6 October, with a team of experienced judges assessing entries using the AOA 20-point olive oil sensory scoring system. An awards presentation dinner will be held at a time and date to be confirmed; details will be announced in Friday Olive Extracts at a later date. Cost of entries is $60 for SWOA members and $75 for non-members. Expressions of interest are due by 31 August and entries close on 17 September. For registration and entry forms, contact David Burt on 0407 192 474 or email [email protected]
Don’t forget to enter our great 2012 Quality is Clear Cut Subscriber Competition, generously sponsored by Eclipse Enterprises Australia. Just tell us about how you prune your grove and you’ll be in the running to win one of three great prizes, each valued at over $2,600. Entry forms are in the March-May and June-July (hitting letterboxes soon) editions of Olivegrower & Processor or via the competition link in the ad below. Entries close June 30 – don’t miss out on your chance to win the latest new pruning equipment from Campagnola.
Online store McLaren Vale Cellars are becoming a ‘one-stop shop’ for produce from the McLaren Vale region, and are looking for more products to list on their site. The website has been active for around two months and is quickly rising in website rankings: current traffic ranking is over 700,000 globally and 5000 in Australia, with a huge following in Adelaide. Orders are made via the website and producers are then contacted to supply the item, which MVC then deliver to the customer. There is currently no charge to be listed on the website and products are sold at your RRP. For more information contact Tom Curtis at: [email protected] and see the website https://www.mclarenvalecellars.com/
Wholesale trade enquiries are invited for unique Australian produce. All items must be *Australian made, *well presented, *not require refrigeration, *not found in a supermarket, *not derived from industrial scale production, *consumables packed and labelled according to regulations.
Enquiries are welcome to Tim Broster – [email protected] or 0413799091. Wholesale price lists can be forwarded to: PO Box 228, Barmera, SA 5345.
The AOA has recently created a Facebook page to help promote Australian Olive Oil and the Code of Practice symbol. AOA CEO is urging all Facebrook users to go to the page and hit the “like” button. When you’ve done that, copy and paste the link into your status and ask all of your friends to “like” it too. Access the page https://www.facebook.com/AussieOliveOil
Producers wanting to learn about organic farming can now do so for a fraction of the cost. Biological Farmers of Australia, BFA, is subsidising the cost of the Diploma in Agriculture (Organic Production) organic farming course for 55 students. The 18-month long curriculum is focused on developing plans to change or develop systems towards organic, and is offered through TAFE NSW Riverina Institute via correspondence. Students are linked with a mentor in their region to help them. A $400,000 grant from the National Workforce Development Fund means students only pay a third of course costs. For more information contact Rob Fenton on 0408 227 624 or [email protected].