Bulletin

Issue: July 2005

News

Oil partnership a boost for Bendigo

La Trobe University is involved in a new partnership that has led to an olive oil processing facility and state-of-the-art olive centre in Bendigo. The partnership, with OlivOz Limited and Alfa Laval, aims to develop a strong and sustainable olive industry in Victoria with central Victoria a major player.

Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, recently launched the facility and partnership at the new OlivOz Alfa Laval Olive Processing Centre based in the Bendigo Pottery precinct. The centre is the first of its type in Australia where there is olive oil production on behalf of a cluster of growers and a partnership with an equipment manufacturer and university. It also houses a retail outlet promoting local olive oil and other products.

OlivOz was formed to service processing for growers and market the region’s first class quality extra virgin olive oil products in Australia and overseas. Its Chairman, John Plim, said the collaboration with Alfa Laval and La Trobe was a major step for the Central Victorian Olive Growers Association which represents 165 local growers.

He said: ‘La Trobe University will play a critical role in advancing our research and development, providing expertise and resources to further the industry in areas including oil appreciation, marketing, exporting and quality control.’

The collaboration also strengthened the credibility of OlivOz in the lucrative export market, he added. ‘Our local olive oil, Latitude 37, was recently tested and given First Class Virgin Olive Oil status.’

Catherina Wallace, from the University’s Engagement and Enterprise office, said La Trobe was pleased to help an exciting local industry. The key to regional economic growth was to ‘value add’ and keep jobs in Bendigo.

Ms Wallce said the partnership grew from workshops conducted last year for growers by La Trobe and the International School of Oil Masters, represented by Mauro Martelossi.

‘The University brought Mr Martelossi to Bendigo, and through this visit the concept of the OlivOz Alfa Laval Olive Processing Centre was born.’

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