 Katikati Frantoio Limited was established in 2007 and processes olives for oil and markets olive oils.Initially only olives produced from the grove of the van Heuckelum family property were processed, but over time pressing services were offered to growers and has steadily grown to about 35 growers in 2011.The block was planted in 2000 and 2001. In 2006 some oil was produced that impressed so much that the decision was made to remove all kiwifruit vines and plant more olives. That project started in 2006 and was completed in 2008.Most varieties planted are from Italian origin, Leccino and Frantoio, as they seem to handle the Bay of Plenty climate well. Early plantings contain 8 varieties as no information was available at the time about suitable varieties. The Greek Koroneiki produces well and yields beautiful oil. Picual, a Spanish variety was planted because of its peppery tasting oil.In 2011 the grove, named Viridis Grove to emphasize its green aspect and culture, received full BioGro organic certification.
Harvesting starts in early April. Fruit is hand harvested by combing the branches with hand rakes and dropping the fruit on nets underneath the trees. Pickers are usually backpackers who enjoy the experience. A quantity is harvested with extra care, to be processed as table olives. The press was imported direct from Italy in 2007. Fruit is processed within 24 hours from harvest. Crates are emptied into a hopper and the fruit moves through a blower to remove leaves and a washer to clean the fruit. Next it is crushed into a paste by a roller mill, which doesn’t produce heat minimising oxidation. The paste is gently kneaded for about 45 minutes at a maximum temperature of 27ºC and then pumped to a decanter where the oil is separated from the rest of the paste by centrifugation. The oil is collected in tanks and given time to settle and clear, before being drained off for storage and bottling. No filtration takes place to ensure the oil is as pure and natural as possible. Oils are sold under the Viridis Grove brand is available at local Farmers’ Markets, in shops in Katikati and Tauranga and from site. As the shed is not manned appointments are essential to view the grove and olive processing facility.
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