Nalini Baruch named 2016 Pacific Woman in Business

Nalini Baruch of Lot Eight is a pioneer in the New Zealand olive oil industry and co-owner of arguably the leading producer of olive oil in the Greater Wellington Region, was awarded the 2016‬ Pacific ‬Woman in Business Award at the National Pacific Business Trust Awards dinner in Auckland.‬‬
Nalini arrived in New Zealand in the 1980s from Fiji.  A graduate in Political Science and Law from Victoria University of Wellington, she entered the corporate world with the New Zealand Dairy Board, managing processed cheese production and working closely with the South East Asia and Middle East markets.  Following a period with Telecom New Zealand, Nalini practiced as a barrister in Wellington before establishing Lot Eight in 2002. 
Building on her knowledge of food production, experience in sales and marketing, and a rich heritage of a wide palate of foods; Nalini has steered the growth of Lot Eight to position the company as a leader in the New Zealand olive oil industry.

The client base now extends throughout New Zealand and internationally.  Over the past five years Nalini has steadily developed an exclusive international brand that includes Michelin-star restaurants.

This award recognises Nalini’s vision and unwavering adherence to her own values of quality, customer and supplier commitment, integrity and professionalism. 

Nalini attributes the strong sustained growth of Lot Eight to her planned, close and genuine working relationships with the food service industry, and specialty retailers.  Continual reinvestment has established an enviable reputation for Lot Eight as a reliable brand, which stands out in the market with a fiercely loyal customer base.

The Pacific Business Trust Award also recognises Nalini’s intuitive and innovative approach in an unchartered and challenging market.  From only two extra virgin olive oils in 2002, her product range today includes unique cold pressed aromatic oils, bespoke customer blends and marinated olives.
Nalini’s vision and commitment to Lot Eight is quality and originality, and developing the food products customers seek using only fresh produce, quality ingredients and unique combinations.

Lot Eight was also a finalist in the Innovation and Business Enterprise categories of this year’s National Pacific Business Trust Awards.