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<pre>Ian

The Australian Olive Association does indeed have an Appellation programme
in which Victorian Olive Groves will be participating this year. The
programme covers those topics you raised:-

a) The oil must come from Australian olives
b) Be <1% acidity
c) Be organoleptically accepted by an independent assessing team
d) Be "fingerprinted" so that no subterfuge occurs
e) Each container of oil must have date of processing on a fixed label
f) A "best by" or "use by" date
g) Varietal information if known

It is optional to include other information such a description of oil and
methods of processing. The truth in labelling aspects are well on their way
in Australia at least.

My oil so far this year (I am still harvesting) is turning out quite
splendid. In my opinion it is superior to Gianni's although his is quite
good and I have informed him of same while sending him a sample of mine. My
pricing is also far more competitive!

Regards

> We think the year the oil was made is vital information to place on EVOO
> containers - and preferably the month as well. We saw "Gianni's" brand of
> EVOO on sale in Carlton (Melbourne) on Saturday, and it cited day, month
> and year the oil was made as well as the olive variety, eg Verdale. Surely
> that's the way to go, at least for the quality end of the market, because
> this particular EVOO was not cheap at $25 for 375 ml?
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