Photo: Jared and Jacqueline Bettio, Rio Vista Olives
Rio Vista Olives has achieved unprecedented success at the recent Australian International Olive Awards, winning top accolades across several major categories. This includes Champion Other Variety, Best in South Australia, Best of Australia, Best in Southern Hemisphere, and Best in Show.
The South Australian producer has excelled in an industry facing historically low global yields, positioning itself as a leader in quality and innovation in the production of extra virgin olive oil. Their Hardy’s Mammoth Extra Virgin Olive Oil distinguished itself by scoring an impressive 94/100. This variety, native to South Australia, was particularly praised for its quality and complexity, standing out even among renowned Italian and Spanish varieties.
It was also the variety which took home the entire suite of awards!
Judges at the awards were captivated by Hardy’s Mammoth’s “vibrant and intense aromas of tropical fruits, lime, cut grass, artichoke, green kiwi, and fresh tomato,” noting its remarkably “balanced bitterness and pepper that seamlessly integrate with the fruit and character of the oil.”
Jared Bettio, general manager of Rio Vista Olives, shared the significance of these wins. “To have a non-traditional variety like Hardy’s Mammoth make a clean sweep at the International Awards is truly amazing,” he stated. “Known for its complex fruity characteristics, Hardy’s Mammoth is showing it can stand up to the more green, grassy European style olive varieties.”
The awards have brought much-deserved recognition not only to Rio Vista Olives but also to the broader South Australian olive oil industry, known globally for its exceptional products. According to Bettio, the commitment to high-quality production is evident. “The year had been met with dramatically low yields in olive oil, so these awards have been such an honour for our hard-working team,” he noted. “We have always striven to create the best quality extra virgin olive oil that we can.”
Rio Vista Olives doesn’t just work on their own produce, with Bettio sharing their collaborative efforts within the local industry. “We work along with many growers within South Australia from helping with grove management and advice with our in-house agronomist, pruning and harvesting groves, and processing olives to help each grower get the best oil they can.”
The recent pool of accolades for Rio Vista Olives, for the Hardy’s Mammoth EVOO, includes 1 Platinum, 3 Gold medals, and 8 Silver, along with Best In Show at the Golden Olives Awards. They also secured titles such as Best EVOO in Show, Commercial Volume, Best EVOO Southern Hemisphere, Best Australian EVOO, Best South Australian EVOO, and Champion Other Varietal EVOO at the Australian International Olive Awards.
Acclaimed chef Tom Tilbury remarked, “Rio Vista’s Hardy’s Mammoth is the most interesting oil I’ve ever tasted. I use it a lot on desserts for its fruit flavours, it’s such a delicate and intricate oil.”
Rio Vista Olives continues to set high standards within the industry, reinforcing its commitment to producing premium quality olive oils recognised not just in Australia, but on an international scale.
You can grab a bottle of Rio Vista Olives Hardy’s Mammoth EVOO 500ml for $35 from their website here, or pick up a bottle in-store at Bottega or other good specialty shops.