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<pre>I viewed on A.B.C. [ Australian Broadcasting Commission to outsiders]
television news tonight the disappointing revelation that 'our' [Australian]
most prominent producer of olive oil for supermarkets had acknowledged that the
oil contained in their bottles was not totally 'true blue' Aussie oil, but
contained a percentage of imported oil from Europe.
With their advertising and labeling suggesting that they were in the business of
promoting the emerging Australian olive oil industry this must come of a great
blow to those customers who had committed themselves to buying the 'local'
product for a variety of reasons.
What this will do to consumer confidence only time will tell but from the few I
have had the opportunity to speak to since this announcement would suggest that
they are now cynical of announcements by big olive oil business interests,in
Australia,as they are of 'truth in advertising' from olive producers in Europe.
For all the efforts made by key industry organizations to maintain a special
local high standard this must be seen as a severe setback.
I am curious why the ABC might select this one example of an Australian company
deceiving the buying public when such occurrences must occur daily. Are they
also so shocked that the Australian olive oil industry,for whom they held such
idealistic hopes, has let the side down or has someone fed them the information
for commercial interests?
There was some mention that this announcement related to the farming programme
'Countrywide' due to be broadcast Sunday at noon. Might be worth a look!

Alan Watt
Tanja Olives


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