Olive Press Central Otago

31/05/2026

Due to being approximately three weeks behind an average season, the olive press will operate until the end of June for those still awaiting to harvest.

21/05/2026

Hi all

Just an update on where we are at this season - we are finding the fruit is taking longer to ripen, thanks to the cooler season to date. The fruit we have processed is lower in yield - we are getting less than 10% oil extraction in a decent amount of pressings to date..

So...if you are heading abroad or have pickers locked in and you want to press your olives as you've arranged - go for it, just a couple of days ahead let us know when you're dropping off as normal.

If you are more flexible with your schedule and you can wait - we would suggest doing so - as you will benefit from getting more oil for your fruit.

We haven't even started picking yet for Ollie's Oil :) - and aren't concerned, the weather in the next 10 or so days looks good/warmish - not too frosty, we can extend our closing date if needed.

Do you know about the squish test? If you can easily squeeze an olive between your fingers and get milky white "juice" from it - they are ripe, good to go. If you're not getting anything or having to push really hard to get "juice out" they aren't ready, and you won't get much oil - better to wait..

Thanks!

10/05/2026

Frosted olives

10/05/2026

In Central Otago we have had a few frosts in the past couple of weeks…

Frosted olives, look brown, shriveled and when squashed between your fingers don’t have any lovely milky green liquid coming out of them…vast quantities of them taints the flavour of the oil..

22/04/2026

I’ve emailed out the processing information to our database for the season last night. If you haven’t received it or would like to please DM me or comment below.

21/04/2026

Steve attended the annual processing course last week - had a blast and learnt some new tips and tricks to olive processing!

10/05/2025

Opening day is Monday.

07/04/2025

The Community Day is happening again - mark your calendar **Saturday 17 May**

Amateur olive growers in Central Otago will gather on May 17 for a Community Press Day, turning their harvest into extra virgin olive oil. Hosted by Olive Press Central Otago, the event welcomes all local growers.

29/10/2024

A great result for an oil OPCO press!

There's gold in the Central Otago hills — and, for one couple, in their oil too. Awanui Olive Oil owners Michael and Jannette Hope, of Alexandra,...

15/10/2024

A silver medal for the 2024 Community Day Oil at the NZ Olives Awards 💃💃👌👌