Encounter Olives

It is estimated that 90% of Australian olive oil is produced from 10 major cultivars. These include Arbequina, barnea, Coratina, Corregiola, Frantoio, Koroneiki, Leccino, Manzanillo, Pendolino and Picual.

The fruit is grown in widespread areas from the warmer northern regions of Queensland and New South Wales, through temperate New South Wales and Victoria, in coastal Southern Western Australia and in the milder climates of South Australia and Tasmania.

Fruit harvest times also play a major role in determining the quality and characteristics of the oil. The proportions of fatty acids and volatile flavour components are evidence of this.

Encouter Olives is a group tying all these growers together for greater representation.