Medal winning ELOVI extra virgin olive oil – Tasman Bay Olives maintained its unbroken run of medal winners at every competition sponsored by Olives New Zealand since 2001.The Annual Conference was held in Nelson in October 2005 and our oils won a gold and two silver medals.

Olives New Zealand have established in 2005 a Quality Assurance programme that involves the application of International Quality Guidelines for certifying that olive oils qualify for extra virgin status .When the required testing has been carried out the grower is then able to display the red certificate (“Olivemark”) on the olive oil marketed. This certification helps provide assurance that the product is try to its labeling and complies with International Guidelines. Tasman Bay Olives is pleased to have been part of this certification programme and support its continued application. All ELOVI oil bears the red Olivemark.

During the first six months of 2005 Roger Armstrong Tasman Bay’s Production Director developed a new concept in olive harvesting machines. The prototype trailed very successfully in our own groves in July 2005 and after further trailing planned for the 2006 harvest will be further modified if necessary to be ready for manufacture for the 2007 harvest. This has been a major development and will provide a very efficient method of harvest reducing the labour content while still ensuring the olives arrive at the press in top condition. The harvester has minimal effect on the trees mainly because it does not involve tree shaking.

New Zealand Creative Tourism has developed creative workshops designed for the tourist market. They are designed to explore Kiwi skills and passions and to discover the local way of life.Roger Armstrong conducts a half-day workshop, which covers growing and pruning olive trees through to the pressing and blending, and of course tasting of oils. The workshop explains the whole magical process and also enables participants the chance to create their own unique blend of oils.

Outlook

The fruitset in January 2009 bodes well for another very good pressing in June/July.

A fourth grove has been developed and the first picking is anticipated in 2010.