COBRAM Estate Olives will be under scrutiny tomorrow when judges in one of the nation’s premier food production awards visit the company’s Boort processing plant.
One of eight finalists in this year’s President’s Medal offered by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, judges will spend four hours inspecting the company’s local operations.
Finalists qualified for award contention by winning a champion medal or trophy in one of the Sydney Royal Wine, Beer and Cider, Distilled Spirits, Cheese and Dairy, or Fine Food competitions last year.
“The President’s Medal Award is the pinnacle of our food and beverage competitions, and it is our privilege to be able to celebrate these talented producers and the positive impact they are having on the agricultural industry and its future direction”, according to society president John Bennett.
“The quality of entrants is getting stronger each year, and this year is no exception. I congratulate the finalists on their success and journey so far, and wish the judges luck in making, what I’m sure will be, a difficult decision.”
Finalists will be assessed by journalist Simon Marnie, and Kate Lorimer-Ward, CEO of the NSW Government’s Local Land Services.
In Boort, they will gain first-hand understanding its operations, production processes, and role within the community.
“It is an honour to be part of a competition that not only rewards quality Australian products, but also acknowledges the overall integrity of their production practices and the innovative methods these businesses use to produce their food”, said Simon.
“This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional products and production processes to get to this point and I’m looking forward to going out and meeting the producers at their place of operation and witnessing the good work they do”.
Cobram Estate CEO Leandro Ravetti said: “We are thrilled and incredibly proud that the quality of our extra virgin olive oils as well as the sustainability and integrity of our production practices have been recognised by the Royal Agriculture Society NSW naming Cobram Estate as a finalist at the 18th President’s awards. 
“From our olive groves to our mills and bottling facilities we are driven to do everything we can to create fresh, healthy, award winning extra virgin olive oil. The President’s Medal nomination acknowledges our commitment to continuous improvement over the last 25 years to create a high quality, healthy, and sustainable Australian product.”
Judges started their site inspections on Tuesday and the winner will be announced in April.
Other finalists are Angel Oysters Australia (Port Lincoln), Gumshire Pork (Keyneton, South Australia), Inglewood Organic (Queensland), Lord Howe Island Distilling Com Mandolé Orchard (Lake Wyangan, NSW), Reckless Brewing Co ( Bathurst) and Tathra Oysters (Mimosa Rocks National Park).