ONE of the world's most prestigious olive oil competitions has been held in Australia for the first time.
The Sol d'Oro Southern Hemisphere Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition was judged in Melbourne earlier this month attracting oils from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay and South Africa.
Referred to as the "the most important event in the world for extra virgin olive oils", the travelling competition was organised by Veronafiere and attracted sponsorship from Victorian Government.
What's more, Victorian olive oils scooped the pool by taking out first, second and third place in the Fruit Delicate category of the prestigious competition.
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. Agricola Pobena from Chile won gold in the medium fruity category and Trilogia from Argentina snared the top medal in the intense fruity category.
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 agriculture minister Jaala Pulford said with the state 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," Ms Pulford said.
Small business, innovation and trade minister Philip Dalidakis said Victorian olive oil exports have taken off over the past decade.
"What a great result for local producers to show the world that we can not only match but beat world’s best," he said.
“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.”
Veronafiere CEO and director general Giovanni Mantovani said with the event, Veronafiere expands and consolidates its network of events abroad, now taking in every continent.
"In the wake of huge success achieved by the first two editions of Sol d'Oro Southern Hemisphere in Chile and South Africa, this year in Australia we also have the collaboration and sponsorship of the Government of Victoria which identified the contest - generally considered to be the most important in the world - as a tool for promoting growth in the quality of local extra virgin olive oil production and promotion of sales on international markets," Mr Mantovani said.
The Italian Consulate and Italian Chamber of Commerce organised the event.
Sol d'Oro Southern Hemisphere 2017 Winners
Delicate Fruity
GOLD: Paringa Ridge – Australia – Leontyna
SILVER: Bylands Estate – Australia - Family selection
BRONZE: Nullamunjie – Australia - Nullamunjie
Special Mention
Lentara Grove – Australia - Frantoio Premium Reserve
Yellingbo Gold – Australia - Yellingbo Gold
La Reserva de Llancay Ltda – Chile - Baga'
Morgenster Estate – South Africa - Morgenster
Agroland s.a. – Uruguay - Corte Italiano
Gabriëlskloof – South Africa - Gabriëlskloof
Comercial e Industrial Soho s.a. – Chile - Olave organico
Medium Fruity
GOLD: Agricola Pobena s.a. – Chile - Alonso Obsession
SILVER: Taralinga Estate Olive Grove – Australia – Blend (Koroneiki, Hojiblanca etc.)
BRONZE: Rio Largo Olive Estate – South Africa - Premium Blend
Special Mention
Terramater S.A. – Chile – Petralia
Agroland s.a. – Uruguay- Olio Novo 2016
Willow Creek – South Africa - Director's Reserve
Camilo Enterprises – Australia - Classic Ligurian
Empresas Carozzi s.a. – Chile- Intenso
Comercial e Industrial Soho s.a. – Chile - Sol de Aculeo blend
Snowy Mountain Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Australia - Smevoo
Intense Fruity
GOLD: Trilogia – Argentina - Trilogia
SILVER: Agricola Pobena s.a. – Chile- Alonso Coratina
BRONZE: Olivos Ruta del Sol S.A. – Chile - Deleyda Premium
Special Mention
Cobram Estate – Australia - Hojiblanca
Taralinga Estate Olive Grove – Australia - Picual
