Who: Olive farmer Stephen Parker, Geelong Region Olives
Where: Modewarre, City of Greater Geelong, Wadawurrung Country
Stephen, how did this business start?
In 2018, I realised that economies of scale could be achieved in this boutique industry by collaborating with other olive growers. Some of the groves I work with had been abandoned by their owners. I approached them and entered into a deal where I manage the grove and lease the trees. It’s a win-win situation. I harvest from 12 different groves around the west coast to produce six different brands.
What are the brands?
Mt Moriac Olives is best known for its rich Tuscan and Spanish blends. Bundara View Olives at Teesdale produces Koroneiki olives, which have a lovely floral note and spiciness. This oil won the best in the southern hemisphere in 2023. From Barwon River Olives comes a unique Moraiolo variety. This is a creamy floral oil that is common in Tuscany but very rare in Australia. Masons Creek Olives at St Leonards on the Bellarine is owned by an environmentalist who has never used chemicals on the property. Here, Frantoio and Correggiola olives produce a really fruity blend with white-pepper spice.
Why the diversity?
Each brand reflects the provenance, terroir, and microclimate of each property. Surf Coast oils are sweeter, those from the Bellarine Peninsula tend to be spicier, while oils from olives harvested in the Otway Ranges tend to be pungent. We want this part of the state to be recognised as a premium olive oil-producing region.
How do you sell your oil?
I sell a lot of oil to restaurants like La Cachette, The Arborist, and Tempo in Geelong, as well as the Lorne Hotel. Having my oils in restaurants lends credibility to retail sales, and I have the volume. The chefs come here and can taste 20 different oils to work out what they like. Getting access to such a wide range of oils would be very time-consuming for chefs. We have it all under one roof. I also sell to Wholefoods stores, Common Ground Project at Freshwater Creek, at farmers’ markets, and online at geelongregionolives.com.au.