Boutique olive oil producers nab national gold

Tasmania’s boutique extra virgin olive oil producers are winning medals due to local conditions.

Rochford Hall Olive Grove at Kellevie have won an award a national award. Picture Nikki Davis-Jones

THE state’s boutique extra virgin olive oil producers are nabbing national competition gold medals because Tasmania’s cool climate and heavier soils are adding greater flavours, says a local grower.

Paul and Chris Lovell, of Rochford Hall Olive Oil at Kellevie near Copping, for the first time entered the Australian Olive Association’s national extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and table olive competition, walking away with champion delicate EVOO.

“We are estactic with the win, after winning champion olive oil at the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards we thought we would have a go at a national level,” Mrs Lovell said.

Rochford Hall Olive oil was a relative newcomer to the industry having its first harvest of olives in 2013.

The couple bought the property that is the 2.6ha remnant of 35ha acres allocated to seafarer Richard Copping, including the cottage, Rochford Hall, built about 1878.

After humble beginnings they have 500 trees growing mainly the Koroneiki varietal. The oil had a characteristic fragrant aroma of apples and pears.

Next step was developing an online presence, and an agritourism venture on the historic property linking the olives with their herd of Angus beef cattle. They would be at Hobart Farmgate market on Sunday.

“Tasmanian growers are able to get more flavour out of their olives because of the longer growing season, and the future is looking good with the local industry growing,” Mr Lovell said.

Cradle Coast Olives, in the North-West and is now one of the leading boutique producers, won best olive oil of show, and champion medium style EVOO. With Ashbolt Farm reserve champion for robust EVOO.

“Like our local wine, success of Tasmanian olive oil should be celebrated,” he said.