Lot Eight wins large in the Paris 2020 OLIO NUOVO Awards

Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Oceania – Lot Eight Oil Makers Blend

2nd Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Oceania – Lot Eight Reserve Blend

Best Design in Oceania – Lot Eight

In its 18 years of producing oils, this is Lot Eight’s first entry in a judging based on sensory analysis of olio nuovo, and in judging of our packaging. We are delighted with the results. To qualify as an olio nuovo, the oil must be less than a month old at the time of analysis. 

To owners of Lot Eight, Colin and Nalini Baruch, this is true recognition of the local team effort that is Lot Eight, and they are grateful to everyone for their role in achieving  international recognition. The sensory panel made up of 23 international judges, that includes the Executive Director or Le Cordon Bleu, chefs, food scientists, and olive growers, evaluated the blending and sensory analysis skills of the oil maker, the milling practises of the olive mill and the quality of fruit selected for milling. This win clearly illustrates the importance of every step of the process the practises and skills honed over many years. 

In addition to the sensory judging, the awards included the judging of the package design as well. The international jury of 12 led by the stylist and fashionista Vanessa Seward and contemporary artist Serena Carone also included designers, brand experts, musicians and contemporary artists. They confirmed that the Lot Eight logo is unique and stands out in a crowd. A joint effort of our oil maker, Nalini Baruch and Sartoria Creative in Wellington produced a unique and classy logo in 2013 that is personal to Nalini as it includes two elements close to her heart, the colour gold and the playful quirkiness of art itself. 

Our heartfelt gratitude to Leafyridge Olive Mill – Craig and Ruth Leaf-Wright, plant engineer – Bill Hey and all our contracted growers in winning the Best and Second Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Oceania. 

Great kudos also to our creative company, Sartoria, and Wrapt (our printers) in winning the Best Design in Oceania award for our packaging. 

Asked to describe what these awards means to Nalini, she responded that “this is Paris, a unique award program with a highly creative and informed panel. This recognition is the most colourful and creative feather in my 25 year olive cap. What could possibly make me happier?”

The judges’ CVs and further details on the awards can be found at  

https://www.olio-nuovo-day.com/olio-nuovo-days/southern-hemisphere/