Gongs flow for South West olive oil makers

It was gold medals galore for a handful of Lower South West olive oil producers at a recent industry awards show. The 2021 WA Olive Awards celebrated the best of the bunch on October 21 with the likes of Nannup, Boyup Brook and Balingup all claiming top honours. Nannup’s Long Gully Grove, Boyup Brook’s Dinninup Grove and Tarnagulla Farm of Balingup all claimed gold medals for their oils on the night. Along with their golds, Long Gully Grove took home two silvers and a bronze, while Dinninup Grove and Tarnagulla Farm both took home a silver. There were 99 entries across five classes for extra virgin and flavoured olive oils at the competition, with organisers thanking a record 2021 olive harvest for the massive jump from last year’s 60 entries. Judging was led by internationally-trained olive oil taster Isabelle Okis, who said the best oils were of an “excellent quality”. “The winning oils were exciting, memorable and world-class. “The flavours were beautiful and left the palate really clean, with long lingering flavours,” she said. Frankland River Olive Company’s olive oil brand, Jingilli, was named both the Best WA Oil of Show and Best Oil of Show.