New Australian Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil Embraced by U.S. Market for Exceptional Taste and Nutritional Value

04/12/06 A new Australian premium extra virgin olive oil by the brand name redisland Australia is being introduced to U.S. consumers nationwide through supermarkets and specialty food stores. Redisland Australia premium extra virgin olive oil offers an exceptionally fresh taste and a rich content of healthful antioxidants and nutrients. These distinctive attributes are a result of innovative Australian harvesting techniques and two unique packaging concepts -- a one-liter redisland FreshBox that protects against damaging light, heat and air, and an aerosol spray can.

"The redisland Australia brand meets the strong demand among American consumers for nutritional olive oil products that can be substituted for other edible oils," says Chris Solly, President of redisland Australia. "We're seeing keen interest in our premium extra virgin olive oil as a result of its gentle, fresh taste. In a recent taste test, U.S. consumers said they preferred the taste of redisland Australia over the leading two Italian brands."

The fresh taste of redisland Australia is the result of an innovative Australian harvesting technique. In Australia, olive trees are grown in a special shape and planted closer together, enabling new machines to pick the olives at their optimum ripeness and cold-press them within hours of harvesting. This also allows for a more consistent, high quality oil, due to fewer damaged olives and faster harvesting. By contrast, many European olive oil brands, particularly those from the largest manufacturers, are made from olives shipped to processing plants from groves throughout the Mediterranean region, which can take days and lead to spoilage.

Redisland Australia is available in two bottle sizes, 250 ml (8.5 oz) and 500 ml (17 oz). The product is also being marketed in an opaque one-liter (33 oz) redisland FreshBox. The redisland FreshBox, a world first in packaging for olive oil, offers three types of protection to prevent oxidation that reduces oil quality. An interior bag and patented spigot prevent contamination from air. A double layer of cardboard shields the olive oil from heat and light. For ease in various cooking applications and to maintain freshness, redisland Australia also offers the first Australian premium extra virgin olive oil available in an aerosol spray can.

Premium extra virgin olive oil plays a part in a healthy diet by lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) without affecting the good cholesterol (HDL), so that the ratio of LDL to HDL improves, lowering the risk of heart disease. It is also thought that olive oil makes LDLs more resistant to damage by free radicals. Olive oil also contains compounds called polyphenols that can further lower the risk of heart disease, and potentially reduce the risk of such health problems as cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure.