Australian extra virgin olive oil producer, Cobram Estate, has taken out the most awards at a prestigious international olive oil competition.
The New York International Olive Oil Competition was held for the first time in 2013 to “crown this year’s very best olive oil,” said competition president, Curtis Cord.
Cobram Estate’s 2013 Extra Virgin olive oils won the most awards of any company. It received two best-in-class trophies and four gold medals, including best-in-class in the “Medium Single Varietal” category and also in the “Robust Single Varietal” category, for its limited release Ultra-Premium Hojiblanca and Picual.
Cobram Estate Premiere and Cobram Estate Classic were also awarded gold medals.
“After several challenging seasons, in 2013 our groves in northern Victoria enjoyed perfect sunny days and cool nights during the growing season that enabled the ideal development of our olives,” said Cobram Estate’s founder Rob McGavin.
“Winning four gold medals, including two best-in-class, out of four entries in such a competitive event is exciting proof of the outstanding quality and freshness of our oils.”
Cobram Estate competed against more than 700 other entries including some of the most prestigious olive oils from Italy, Spain and California. It said the awards proved that Australian olive oils could hold their own in the world market.
“Australian Extra Virgin olive oils are now regarded as some of the world’s best,” said Lisa Rowntree, CEO of the olive growers industry body, Australian Olive Association.
Olive production has increased significantly over the last decade in Australia as new olive orchards have matured, and according to the Australian Olive Association, olive oil production is forecast to reach around 18 million litres in 2013, compared to around 350,000 litres in 2000.
The main markets for Australian olive oil are the United States and China where branded products have been actively marketed by Australian producers on the basis of the high quality of Australian extra virgin olive oil, according to the peak body.
Cobram Estate olive oils are sold nationally at selected Woolworths, Safeway, Coles, IGA and independent supermarkets, as well as leading gourmet food stores and delis.
Cobram's four international award-winning entries.
