Olives101.com

Producers increase efforts in bid to create domestic demand By Jim Downing California farmers are pushing olive oil as though its the new thing, hoping to profit from denser planting methods and a growing U.S. appetite for the heart-healthy cooking aid.

UNDECLARED ALMONDS IN SICILIAN OLIVES STUFFED WITH GARLIC CLOVES Thrifty Foods, Parksville, is warning customers not to consume Sicilian Olives Stuffed with Garlic Cloves because they were mislabeled and contain olives stuffed with almonds which are not declared on the label.

By Tessa Dornan COOL seasonal conditions in the South West have impacted on the olive industry with growers predicting a late harvest, smaller fruit and a reduced yield.

For the first time ever, a US-based company now ranks among the world’s Top 10 premium olive oil producers. Competing against 750 high-end oils produced in France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, Apollo Olive Oil earned the coveted spot during the prestigious OLIO 2006 international olive oil competition in Munich, Germany last month.

By Brigid Lynch Mangawhai’s Te Arai Olive Estate won best in show and a fistful of gold at the 7th annual extra virgin olive oil competition at California’s Los Angeles County Fair. Raylee Campbell, who runs Te Arai with architect husband Colin, said winning four gold medals was stunning – “It’s beyond our wildest dreams.” […]