19 June 2026

Have you been forwarded this newsletter? Not receiving AOA emails?

Sign up to all our communications here and remember to check your SPAM folders regularly!

Today's top story

Health Star Rating and cooking oils: why edible oils need a targeted exemption pending review

The Australian olive industry supports clear, consistent front-of-pack labelling that helps consumers make healthier food choices.

However, the current Health Star Rating algorithm is not fit for purpose for edible oils. In this category, the algorithm gives disproportionate weight to saturated fat, while not adequately accounting for degree of processing, refining, bioactive compounds, oxidative stability or the broader evidence base for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and EVOO-rich dietary patterns.

Join the call: Olive producers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback on how cooking oils should be assessed under the HSR system.

Australia

El Niño: what it means for Australia's climate

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is now in an El Niño phase. El Niño events are part of a natural cycle in the Pacific Ocean that can affect global weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology this week published detailed information about the likely impacts on winter and spring rainfall and temperatures.

El Niño declared by BOM and it could become the strongest on record

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has officially declared El Niño active and modelling tips it could become the strongest event in the modern era.

FSANZ extends HSR submissions deadline

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has extended the deadline for submissions on its assessment of Health Star Rating (HSR) labelling. Interested parties now have until 5 July, with the organisation saying no further extensions will be granted.  

EOI: Water efficiency and infrastructure upgrade projects

Waterfind is seeking expressions of interest from clients considering upgrades and related infrastructure to improve efficiency and save water.

Register your interest

Webinar: Challenge test in RTE food - Supporting EU Listeria regulatory compliance

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2895, applicable from 1 July 2026, reinforces the importance of Listeria regulatory compliance. The requirements for Listeria monocytogenes control in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods have long been established. Food business operators must demonstrate that L. monocytogenes will not exceed 100 cfu/g throughout the entire shelf life of their products.

Join a free webinar on 25 June where ALS experts will provide a clear, practical overview of challenge testing and how it can support compliance with EU Listeria regulation, alongside other tools available.

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.

US-Iran agreement sparks fertiliser hope for farmers

While a ceasefire deal between the US and Iran is yet to be finalised, the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz could happen within days and farmers are optimistic about getting their hands on a reliable and cheaper supply of fertiliser.

Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2026

The Fair Work Commission has announced an increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages.

The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.

Read on for more information to help ensure you're ready for the changes.

International

Review finds Mediterranean diet benefits may come from how foods work together

A major review suggests olive oil, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits and fish act together across biological systems linked to inflammation, metabolism and aging.

The 6-year Harvard study that proved everything about ‘healthy eating’ wrong

Diet trends come and go. But if the research is any guide, the Mediterranean diet seems built to last.

Yale scientist reveals powerful effect of olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil may positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome and help create a more protective internal ecosystem, according to research highlighted by Yale assistant professor of public health Tasos Kyriakides.

Here's how Generation Z perceives Italian oil

The results of a survey conducted among 180 Italian, American and Japanese children born between 1997 and 2012 question historical beliefs and highlight new expectations.

The history of olive oil in Greece: An updated overview

Olive trees have existed longer than modern humans, and the history of olive oil in Greece spans millennia.

You may not have heard of this place, but you’ve probably tasted its produce

Odds are you haven’t heard of Jaen, but there’s a good chance you’ve tasted its most famous product: olive oil. With 66 million olive trees, Jaen is home to one of the largest man-made forests in the world, producing about 20 per cent of the world’s olive oil.

Preserving tradition through agritourism

As part of the EU FarmBioNet project, the international project team – which includes FiBL – travelled to Tuscany. The field trip focused on farms that produce olives using traditional methods. They offset the higher costs of these labour-intensive cultivation methods through high-quality produce and agritourism.

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!

And please remember this is YOUR e-newsletter and we’re keen to receive your news and help spread the word. Just email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au - it’s free and the best way to reach your fellow industry members!

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