New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition

Oils ain’t oils

Despite heavy competition with record entries, almost twice that received in 2005, Matapiro Olives have successfully retained the title of Best in Show from all Gold Medal winners for the 2006 New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition.

Matapiro Olives won for their ‘Gold 1’ entry in the Delicate Extra Virgin Olive Oil class. There was little surprise with the awarding of Best in Show, following the blind judging and the unveiling judge Terry Copeland commented “…no surprise, a very classy oil outfit”.

Six Gold Medals were awarded with 18 Silver Medals and 17 Bronze Medals also awarded in the competition which is open to Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Walnut Oil, Avocado Oil and Infused Olive Oils.

The aim of the competition is to promote to the New Zealand gourmet public the quality and variety of oils produced and commercially available in New Zealand.

The competition was judged by a panel of food industry professionals including renowned Kiwi chef Bill Bryce, Cuisine magazine Food Editor Ray McVinnie as well as Jim Harre, Jeremy Jones, Darryl Maffey, Trish Coleman and Terry Copeland. The panel included food judges and commentators, respected chefs and restaurateurs and highly regarded national and international wine judges.

Judges were impressed with the quantity and overall quality of entries. Ray McVinnie heralded the results a win for consumers with such great oils available in New Zealand. “The level of experience of oil producers in New Zealand is very good. There is a great deal of skill involved and I congratulate them all, it certainly bodes well for the future of the industry”, McVinnie said.  

Award winning oils were displayed at the 2006 Royal New Zealand Show as part of the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion.

2006 New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition Results