3 July 2026

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Today's top story

Olive growers excited as consumer demand rises, industry looks to expand

Australian consumers are driving a surge in demand for olive oil.

Producers say wine grape growers have also shown interest as they try to find a future in other commodities. 

The Australian Olive Association says there could be an opportunity for expansion of the industry if the volume of imported oil decreases. 

Australia

Final call for Health Star Rating submissions

There are just days left for growers and stakeholders to provide their feedback and help protect the Australian olive industry from a misleading Health Star Rating system.

As reported in Friday Olive Extracts over recent weeks, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is seeking industry feedback on a government proposal to make Health Star Ratings compulsory on all packaged food sold in Australia.

Unfortunately for Australian olives, the current HSR algorithm is fundamentally flawed when it comes to edible oils, often rating pure, natural extra virgin olive oil as a less-healthy alternative to other heavily refined seed oils on the market.

AOA Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan said mandating the system in its current form would be devastating to the Australian olive industry, which prides itself on producing a scientifically-proven superfood that is of the highest quality, nutrient rich and completely natural.

He urged industry members to join the olive industry's call for a fairer, evidence-based ratings system and lodge their submission with FSANZ.


Every voice counts and the AOA submission guide makes it as easy as possible by highlighting the most critical survey questions and providing draft wording to copy, adapt and use for your own submission.

But you'd better be quick, submissions close this Sunday, 5 July.

Follow this link to access the guide, more information and lodge your submission.

Olive roots

Riverina olive growers adapt to drought, producing award-winning oil while supporting neighbouring farms.

A nice little piece about some great AOA members at Woolundry Grove, Wagga Wagga.(You will need to sign in to a free account to watch this video, but it's well worth the effort!)

Good olives equal great oil

Northern Victoria is growing some of the world’s highest quality olives, but this year’s yield fell short of what many growers were hoping for.

It's great to see so many Australian olive growers in the news - a post-harvest wrap-up from a very familiar face at Lisadurne Hill!

New drought insights added to My Climate View

A new enhancement to My Climate View is helping farmers and agricultural professionals better understand how drought is changing across Australia.

Renew your AOA membership for continued discount eligibility

AOA membership renewals for 2026-2027 were emailed this week. Please action payment within the invoice period to take advantage of member discounts.

Along with industry advocacy and representation at government level, membership of the national peak industry body, the Australian Olive Association (AOA), provides financial members with a wealth of direct benefits, including:

• Over $250 in Savings: Take advantage of member-only discounts on AOA events, The Australian International Olive Awards and classified advertisements.
• OliveCare® Code of Best Practice: The opportunity to sign-up to the OliveCare® certification framework to validate your products.
• Exclusive Resources: Access to the AOA website’s Members Lounge.

If you didn't receive your membership renewal, check your SPAM folder in case it’s ended up there or contact Liz at secretariat@australianolives.com.au for a copy.

Reminder: The substantial member discounts for Australian International Olive Awards entries can only be applied for current financial members, so make sure you’ve renewed before you sign up!



Not an AOA member yet?

Find out more and apply to join at the AOA website - www.australianolives.com.au - or contact Administration Manager Elizabeth Bouzoudis at secretariat@australianolives.com.au.

AOA Classifieds

Got something to sell? Want to buy?

If you’ve got something industry-related to sell, you can reach your target market directly with our grower-to-grower service - AOA Classifieds.

Our online classifieds are an easy and inexpensive solution to advertising your unwanted equipment. And if there’s something you’re looking for, it’s the ideal way to get the message out loud and clear to your peers and industry associates!

Classifieds start from as little as $44 for AOA members ($110 for non-members) and are online now at www.australianolives.com.au/classifieds

For details, rates, or to create a classified, hit the button below.

ABARES hits ground for annual farm survey

ABARES is about to begin its annual survey of producers to measure how farms are performing throughout Australia.

ACCC to monitor supermarket compliance with new excessive pricing prohibition

The ACCC will begin monitoring supermarket pricing from 1 July when the new excessive pricing prohibition comes into force.

International

Why fresh olive oil is a culinary cultural trend

People look for better ingredients to use in their kitchens, and a major change is happening right now in the world of cooking oils. Freshly pressed olive oil is capturing the attention of home cooks and professional chefs. 

Study finds taste tradeoff in olive leaf infusions

Researchers said maximizing phenolic extraction in olive leaf infusions can intensify bitterness and astringency, limiting consumer appeal.

Upcycling olive pomace could open new revenue streams for producers

Researchers say olive processing residues, long treated as a costly environmental problem, could become a source of new ingredients for food, cosmetics, animal feed and nutraceuticals.

How Greece’s women olive farmers are transforming tradition

As the United Nations celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026—an initiative designed to raise awareness of women’s roles in agrifood systems and encourage empowering investments—it is time to look closely at the half of the farming population that is too often overlooked.

Extreme heat threatens Spain’s olive harvest

The severe heatwave affecting France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Italy could have a significant impact on the future harvest of several key export products across Europe.

Extra virgin olive oil: the price crisis below €6,50 puts quality at risk

The plummeting price of extra virgin olive oil threatens the sustainability of producers. With declining consumption and stagnant stocks, it's urgent to defend its value.

Why a video showing how to make olive oil is going viral as food prices rise

In Spain, the weekly food shop has become noticeably more expensive for many households. Not in a sudden way, but slowly enough that people are starting to change how they buy things.

Calendar 2026

13 July
Entries close, 2026 Royal Adelaide Olive Awards - hosted by Olives South Australia

www.theshow.com.au/competitions/olive-oil-table-olives

10 August

Entries open, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

21 August

Entries close, 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

www.internationaloliveawardsaustralia.com.au

28 August

Awards presentation dinner, 2026 Royal Adelaide Olive Awards - hosted by Olives South Australia

Details to come


3 September

Entries close, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

8 October

Awards ceremony, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

Email Laura to have your event included.

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts brings the latest industry news and events direct to your inbox each week.

As THE place to share olive industry news, event details and reminders, our industry e-newsletter keeps growing in popularity and we now have nearly 3,000 subscribers across the globe. If you’re not one of them, why not? Sign up here!

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For Friday Olive Extracts editorial and advertising enquiries, email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au