Outstanding Success at LA Competition

New Zealand’s Outstanding Success at the 2014 Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition

Press Release 23 July 2014

Winners in one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for extra virgin olive oil were announced today, with New Zealand taking almost a third share of all Gold medals awarded plus a share of other medals.

The 2014 Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition - Southern Hemisphere received 139 extra virgin olive oil entries from 66 producers. Entries came from Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa and Uruguay. There were a total 48 Gold Medal Awards, 45 Silver Medal Awards, and 20 Bronze Medal Awards.

Whilst the Best in Show awards went to oils from Chile and Uruguay, New Zealand oils picked up an impressive THIRTEEN Gold medals, FOUR Silver medals, and TWO Bronze medals.

Gold medals were awarded to Azzuro Groves, Kennedy Point, Man O’War, Matiatia Grove (3), Number 29, Rangihoua Estate (3), Virtuo (2), Whangape Grove.

Silver medals were awarded to Azzuro Groves (2), Man O’War, Matiatia Grove.

Bronze medals were awarded to Divinity Olives, Moutohora Estate.

“The success of New Zealand producers in the Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition is a real testament to New Zealand being one of the top producers of Extra Virgin Olive Oil” says Olives New Zealand Executive Officer, Gayle Sheridan.

“Not only does New Zealand produce top quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil with all the associated health benefits, the panel of international judges obviously thought our entries tasted pretty spectacular too.”

The next highlight on the calendar for New Zealand olive oil producers is the 2014 New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Awards which will be judged in September to enable all growers across the country a chance to enter. The Judging Panel comprises:

International Head Judge: Franca Camurati from Italy.

From Australia: Jenny Birrell and Trudie Michels.

From New Zealand: Raffaela Delmonte, Rachel Costello and Rachel Priestly.

The New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards are arguably the premier olive oil awards in New Zealand because the competition requires:

1. all entries to have been certified as Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2. all Judges to have completed formal tasting training and to have previous experience in judging Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3. a judging panel that includes international Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting experts.

The results of the New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards will be announced at a Gala Awards Dinner to be held in Wellington on Saturday 4th October.

For a full list of results from the Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition see http://www.fairplex.com/wos/olive_oil_competition/AwardsCelebration/winners.asp

Website: www.olivesnz.org.nz

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