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The internationally-recognised health benefits of extra virgin olive oil do not rate in the draft Australian Dietary Guidelines released on 13 December by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Other ingredients in the Mediterranean Diet are recommended, as is the replacement of some saturated fat by vegetable oils high in monounsaturated fats, however EVOO doesn’t rate a mention. The Guidelines are out for public consultation until 29 February 2012.
A Facebook shopping app has been launched in Australia, aiming to help small businesses reverse recent downward trends in consumer spending. Developed by Brisbane-based start-up aradium, the app enables small businesses to run an online e-commerce store on Facebook, the world’s largest social networking website. More information www.facebook.com/aradium and read more in the coming edition of Olivegrower & Processor.
Random weather conditions continue to be experienced across Australia, from heat waves to heavy rains, floods and even cyclones. How has your grove fared? Have you lost blossoms or young fruit to strong winds? Is your grove under water, or parched from days of scorching heat? Send Olivegrower & Processor editor Gerri Nelligan an email with details of what’s been happening in your area, and she’ll compile a snapshot of how things are looking across the country. And New Zealand growers, we’d love reports from you too. Send your details to [email protected]
It’s getting closer, so now’s the time to lock in your place at the Olives New Zealand Conference 2012 – Let’s Get it On! The event will be held at the Five Star Sudima Airport Hotel, Auckland on Saturday, 24 March, with an ’Olives to Oil’ Processor Course the following day. Detailed conference program information and registration forms https://www.olivesnz.org.nz/uncategorized/conference-2012-lets-get-it-on-2/. Registrations close on 31 January 2012.
A 20% hike in olive oil imports by Brazil, 11% by the EU, 7% by the USA and 5% by Canada offset falls in Japan (-12%) and Australia (-10%), according to the International Olive Council’s figures for the 2010/11 crop year. Released in the IOC’s December newsletter, the figures show that the year from October 2010 to September 2011 was also notable for significant drops in reported producer prices. By December 2011 the producer price for extra virgin olive oil in Italy had fallen to €2.43/kg, down 18% on December 2010 and 40% from last summer’s peak.
It’s 2012 already – where does the time go? Our industry has certainly had some challenges in recent times, and we hope that 2012 sees bumper crops of quality fruit…
The ongoing produce price wars between Coles and Woolworths have had wide-ranging effects on the country’s food producers, including causing banks to slash farm valuations. So writes AOA CEO Lisa Rowntree in an opinion piece for online news site weeklytimesnow.
Viva Olives is looking to buy new 2012 season ripe Kalamata fruit (off the tree, not processed), with good prices being offered. If you have some to sell, contact Darren McKenzie on mob: 0407 846 107; ph: 08 8584 5811 or email: [email protected].
The National Table Olives Committee’s discussion paper is still available for comment and feedback, with input providing the basis for the development of draft Australian Standards for Table Olives. All olive industry participants are invited to comment on the issues raised in the paper, which can be downloaded here. Forward comments before the end of January to Peter McFarlane, by post to 33 Phillips St, Somerton Park SA 5044; by fax on 08 8376 7048 or via email to [email protected].
Supermarket giant Woolworths will adopt the Australian Standard for premium olive oil for its own brand lines, reports weeklytimesnow. However it will not require the voluntary standard be met by other brands it stocks. The Weekly Times revealed last year that several imported premium or ‘extra virgin’ olive oils were not meeting the Australian standard for extra virgin, including Woolworths’ imported brand.