2022 AIOA entries trend to delicate and flavoured

Crops are substantially down across many olive producing countries this year but entries have remained strong for the 2022 Australian International Olive Awards.

Chief Steward Trudie Michels said that last year’s bumper production meant expectations were for a sharp decrease in entries this year, and it was exciting to see the numbers grow as entries continued to arrive.

“Considering it’s an ‘off-year’, and was a very difficult one for many growers, entries have been surprisingly strong,” she said.

“At closing the total was over 200 entries, including 155 EVOO and 30 flavoured olive oils. That’s a great result. The flavoured oils category in particular compares very well to last year’s record entry of 35, while table olive numbers have remained fairly steady.

“There are a good number of international entries this year, coming from Spain, Italy, Greece, New Zealand and Tunisia, and once again several are first-time entrants. There were also lots of new Australian producers who entered, and the consistency of those newcomers is proof that the competition is continuing to gain international recognition and status.

“And while there was good representation across all classes, and of different varietals and styles, it was interesting to see that there were a lot more entered into the delicate to medium categories, compared to medium to robust last year.”

Tough growing year

Michels said the effects of the tough growing year were plainly evident in the pattern of this year’s entries.

“We noticed that producers who would normally enter six or seven have entered only two this year, while others who usually enter just a couple, but enter every year, didn’t put anything in,” she said.

“Some didn’t have enough to harvest, some got a minimal crop and 20L of EVOO instead of the usual 500L, either because they did a big prune or they had issues with rain and getting into the grove to harvest. In other areas it was the opposite, with hot, dry conditions ruining flowering and fruit set.

“It seems La Nina was conspiring against our growers this year and we really feel for those who were badly hit, but we're pleased that they’ve all said they’re really looking forward to entering the competition again in 2023.”

At the pointy end …

“So with entries now closed we’re back into logistics-mode. Judging will once again be carried out across five countries, so oils are either on their way or have arrived for judging in Spain, Italy, China and New Zealand, while judging panels across Australia are ready to get tasting.

“We’ve still got a few COVID complications to deal with but this is our third year in ‘safe or remote’ international judging mode, so we’ve got the mechanics of it pretty well down-pat!”

“And now we’re really looking forward to the Awards Dinner, and getting together in person this year to celebrate the winners and the industry.”

Medal winners will receive their results via email on 3 October, with the major awards announced on 14 October at the Australian International Olive Awards Presentation in Devonport, Tasmania.

Ag Enviro Labs

A big thank you to our 2022 Event Sponsors:

2022 AIOA Presentation Dinner – Don’t miss the Celebrations!

It’s been three long years since we were able to get together in person for the olive industry’s annual ‘night of nights’, so it’s an absolute given that the 2022 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner will be a celebration to remember.

Being held at the Paranaple Centre in Devonport, Tasmania, in conjunction with the AOA National Olive Industry Conference & Exhibition, highlights of the night will include: • AIOA major awards announced • Great food, wine and conversation • Official AIOA winners’ photographs* *Taken by a professional photographer, images from the night will be used in media coverage and promotions, and can be provided for your own promotional use. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your AIOA win captured and celebrated into the future!

If you win a major award, you’re going to want to be there to receive it; if you don’t, you’ll have a great time celebrating the success of your peers and the outstanding quality of the EVOO, flavoured oils and table olives our growers produce.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the industry’s best – book now and join us in Devonport for a great night of food, wine and festivities.

Details:

2022 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner

Friday, 14 October from 6.30pm, Paranaple Centre, Devonport, Tasmania

Bookings: www.nationaloliveconference.com.au.