A competition traditionally dominated by the Eastern States, the Australian International Olive Awards has a new winner, and that winner is South Australian.
Edging out some of the larger olive groves in Australia and Internationally acclaimed groves from Spain, Greece and Tunisia, Rio Vista Olives, a local olive grove with a 3-generation history stood head and shoulders above groves twice and three times its size.
At a time when South Australian food producers need all the support they can get, the gong for Best in Show, Best Greek Varietal and Best South Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a win for all of South Australia.
“To have our Elisi Grove Kalamata stand out with a massive 95/100 and win Best In Show for Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil, against strong dominating producers from the Eastern States, has been a fantastic win for agricultural businesses within South Australia,” Jared Bettio, Director of award winning Rio Vista Olives explains.
“South Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is leading the way with premium Olive Oil offerings and putting the state on the map as a premium food choice for consumers.”
The pool of awards recently won by Rio Vista include 9 Gold medals, 23 Silver as well as Best In Show, Best Greek Varietal, Best South Australian Oil and Best in Class, Small Volume award:
Golden Olive Awards:
- Best In Class: Small Volume: Rio Vista Olives Koroneiki (Single Variety EVOO)
- Gold Medals for: Rio Vista Olives Koroneiki, Rio Vista Olives Chilli Pressed Olive Oil
- Silver Medals for: Rio Vista Olives Gigi, Rio Vista Olives Augusto, Rio Vista Olives Il Misto, Nothin’ But Olives Mild, Nothin’ But Olives Classic, Nothin’ But Olives Robust, Rio Vista Olives Nevadillo (single variety), Rio Vista Olives Signore (single Variety), Rio Vista Olives Lemon Pressed Olive Oil, Rio Vista Olives Garlic Pressed Olive Oil
Royal Adelaide Olive Awards:
- Gold medals for: Rio Vista Olives Chilli Pressed Olive Oil, Rio Vista Olives Basil Pressed Olive Oil
- Silver Medals for: Rio Vista Olives Signore, Rio Vista Olives Koroneiki, Rio Vista Olives Gigi, Rio Vista Olives Lemon Pressed Olive Oil
Australian International Olive Awards:
- Gold Medals for: Rio Vista Olives Elisi Grove Kalamata, Rio Vista Olives Basil Pressed Olive Oil, Rio Vista Olives Chilli Pressed Olive Oil, Rio Vista Olives Lemon Pressed Olive Oil
- Silver Awards for: Rio Vista Olives Koroneiki (single variety), Rio Vista Olives Augusto, Rio Vista Olives Il Misto, Nothin’ But Olives Mild, Nothin’ But Olives Classic, Rio Vista Olives Nevadillo (single variety), Rio Vista Olives Signore (single Variety), Rio Vista Olives Gigi, Rio Vista Olives Garlic Pressed Olive Oil
“Best in Show rarely goes to a mono-cultivar Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it is gentle and mild in nature. We turned this on its head by creating a delicious, rich, vibrant single variety Kalamata Oil that has the judges standing up in attention,” Jared explains.
World renowned celebrity chef Jason Roberts says of Rio Vista Olives “I enjoy the profile of each and every Rio Vista Olives olive oil, not just because they care about their product, but because they care about the people who use their products.”
Mr Bettio says: “Being the most awarded Olive Oil producer for the last two years is an honour and a testament to our drive to continually push the benchmark of Australian made Olive Oils. It’s great for us, but just as importantly, it’s great for South Australia.”