Select Page
Share this post

Celebrating the success, quality and variety of New Zealand’s gourmet oils has always been the purpose of the New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition and with entries now open for the 2007 competition, organisers are eager to discover the best of the best oils now available in New Zealand.

New Zealand has gained a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest quality olive oils charaterised by unique aromas and flavours. The industry is still in its infancy by world standards with extensive planting from Canterbury to Northland only happening in the past six years.

Production volumes are rapidly increasing and New Zealand oils are now winning awards on an international stage. Consumption in New Zealand is also increasing, more than doubling in 2006 as consumers become more educated and savvy when choosing gourmet oils.

As Competition Convenor Rae Finlay explains, “the aim of the New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition is to promote to the New Zealand public the quality and variety of oils produced and commercially available in New Zealand. It’s all about choice and assisting consumers at the point of purchase.”

“Competition entries increased by over 50 percent in 2006, testament to the growth in the industry and the recognition by growers of the advantages of promoting their success”, added Finlay.

The competition is open to Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Walnut Oil, Avocado Oil and Infused Olive Oils and will be judged by a panel of food industry professionals.

Entries close 5pm Thursday 1 November with judging taking place on Saturday 3 November 2007. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 7 November 2007.

Award winning oils will be displayed at the Royal New Zealand Show in November as part of the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion.

The Royal New Zealand Show runs from 14-16 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park Christchurch. Attracting over 115,000 people, over 7000 livestock and feature competition entries and 500 trade exhibitors, plus three full days of entertainment, it is the premier agricultural and pastoral event in the country.

For more information contact:
Nicola Cull, Marketing Manager
Royal New Zealand Show
Telephone 03 365 4203
Mobile 0212 65 1174
Email nicola@theshow.co.nz