Cradle Coast Olives

Cradle Coast Olives is a boutique olive grower and processor of extra virgin olive oil located in Abbotsham, near Ulverstone, on the north-west coast of Tasmania. Founded by Carol and Tony O'Neil in 1996, the 15-hectare property grows five traditional olive varieties specifically chosen for Tasmania's cool climate, which resembles Mediterranean growing regions. The property sits in a valley micro-climate ideally suited to low yield but highest quality olive oil production.

Their award-winning oils benefit from rich red volcanic soil, meticulous tree management, and careful harvesting practices. Each year the olive trees are hand pruned to allow maximum sunlight penetration—reflecting their philosophy that good sunlight equals good oil. The fruit is harvested by hand during winter to ensure minimal damage to the olives. Drip feed irrigation maintains optimal soil moisture throughout the growing season.

What sets them apart is their on-site Olio Mio cold press facility installed in 2009, allowing for same-day processing that prevents quality deterioration. Storing olives in bins even overnight causes heat build-up affecting quality, an issue they avoid through micro-managing every stage of process. Their commitment to hygiene is absolute—the olive press is pulled down and sterilised every day during use, which they consider the X-factor in their superior quality.

The resulting oils exceed international standards with free fatty acid levels consistently below 0.2% (the international standard is less than 0.8%) and exceedingly high levels of oleic acid and polyphenols. The oils range in colour from whiskey yellow to luminescent green with exceptional flavours.

Cradle Coast Olives has accumulated an impressive collection of awards over the years. They achieved "Best Oil of Show" across all classes at the Australian Olive Oil Association Awards in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2018. At the 2018 Australian International Olive Awards, they won both "Best Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil" and "Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Southern Hemisphere." The 2019 harvest was particularly successful, winning "Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Show," "Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil South Hemisphere," "Best Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil," and "Best Tasmanian Extra Virgin Olive Oil" at the Australian International Olive Awards, among other accolades. They have also taken out the "Best Boutique Oil" award at the Australian National Olive Oil Awards for five out of seven years.

Their oils are available online, through selected delis and fine food stores, and directly from their cellar door. Cellar door sales and tastings are available from Sunday to Friday—groups are welcome but should phone ahead to ensure attendance. Cradle Coast Olives extra virgin olive oil is the oil of choice in several of the nation's top restaurants.