Olives New Zealand

Featured Member

Tuscan Downs

Situated 40 km north of Christchurch city, Tuscan Downs is a 12 hectare property situated in Ashley Downs, North Canterbury. The 400 olive tree grove produces Frantoio olives, a varietal which originated in Tuscany Italy. Frantoio Olive Oil is one of the most highly acclaimed oil varieties in the world because of its fruity flavour with a slightly bitter aftertaste and a clear final spiciness.

The olive grove was planted some 20 odd years ago but was neglected until, in 2019, Ian Warren and his partner Karen Thompson acquired the property for another business. By this time the grove was in a terrible state of neglect with many of the trees dead or dying. The couple thought it was a pity to let so many olive trees go to waste and decided to nurse the grove back to life. Ian has spent many hours lovingly tending the trees and they have responded with an abundance of fruit. The couple are now working towards the grove becoming certified as organic.

Tuscan Down’s olive harvest will begin in June 2020 with oil being extracted within 24 hours of picking in order to retain oil purity and integrity. Due to the cooler climate and risk of frosts, the growing season in North Canterbury is shorter which means fruit has to be picked relatively unripe. This results in a strong tasting oil with a rich complexity, high oxidative stability and freshness which is similar to the world’s best Tuscan olive oils.

Read More...

Mark of Integrity

The OliveMark® guarantees 100% New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

More about certification…

Simply the Best!

Olives New Zealand promotional DVD on why New Zealand Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Simply the Best is now available!