Victorian olive oils have scooped the pool by taking out first, second and third place in the ‘Fruit Delicate’ category of the prestigious International Sol D’Oro Southern Hemisphere Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, held in Melbourne last night.
Paringa Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula won the Golden Sol D’oro, with Kyneton’s Bylands Estate taking out silver and Nullamunjie in East Gippsland the bronze.
The trifecta result comes hot on the heels of Victorian olives oils’ strong showing at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, which saw local oils win four of the 17 best-in-class awards, second only to Italy.
Victorian olive oil exports have grown significantly since they began in the early 1990s, with the state exporting $25 million worth of olive oil in 2014-15 worldwide, accounting for 80 per cent of the national total.
With a global reputation for producing and exporting premium food and beverages, Victoria is now Australia’s leading exporter of dairy, horticultural products, prepared foods and vegetables.
In 2014–15, Victoria’s food and fibre exports were valued at $11.6 billion.
This great result comes as Victoria prepares to host Food & Beverage Trade Week (FBTW), the state’s premier inbound trade mission targeting the global food and beverage market.
The program, which runs from 14-17 September, will bring more than 150 leading international buyers and investors to visit 100 local companies.
The aim of the inbound mission is to help Victoria’s dairy, meat and processed food exporters establish and strengthen business relationships with key international markets by showing their products first-hand.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“Victorian olive oil exports have taken off over the past decade and what a great result for local producers to show the world that we can not only match but beat world’s best.”
“The quality of Victorian producers is reflected by our broader food and beverage sector, which has earned a worldwide reputation for clean and green products, boosting our standing as the export capital of Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Blessed with a warm climate and soil types reminiscent of the Mediterranean’s traditional olive producing regions, Victoria has emerged as the most exciting ‘new world’ olive oil producing region.”
“We’re proud to support these awards which recognise our exporters who are consistently achieving the highest environmental, safety and quality standards for their food and fibre products valued the world-over.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020