Mount Zero Olives
Mount Zero Olives is a family owned business that works with like-minded Victorian olive growers to produce some of Australia’s finest and most rewarded olives, olive oils and other gourmet food products. Their unwavering commitment to flavour, sustainability and quality ingredients is what defines them and sets them apart from competitors - so much so that in In 2010, Jane, Neil and Richard were inducted as "Melbourne Food & Wine Legends" for excellence in food production and the appreciation of, and engagement with, the best produce. We got to chat with the family to explore the processes and motivations behind this value-driven business.
The Mount Zero Olives story began in 1993, when Neil and Jane Seymour bought part of an old olive grove at the base of Mount Zero, which was originally planted in 1946. Today, with 30 years’ experience in the growing, fermenting and milling olives and olive oil, Mount Zero Olives is now proudly run by Neil and Jane’s son, Richard, who continues to uphold the highest standards across every aspect of the business.
“Richard’s commitment to flavour, sustainable farming and quality ingredients continues to define Mount Zero and all that we do.”
Every product of theirs truly is a winner, however, some of Mount Zero Olives’ proudest accomplishments at the moment are the 2023 Early Harvest Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which recently won a Grand Prestige Gold Medal at the Mediterranean-based Terraolivo International Olive Oil Competition. There is also the Organic Kalamata Olives which are naturally fermented, giving them a wonderful firm texture and a deep, complex flavour that they can never get enough of. Finally, their Olive Jam is always a huge hit, and it’s also a favourite of theirs. Made exactly the same way jam is made – the only ingredients are olives, sugar and pectin, resulting in a beautifully balanced sweet and savoury jam that makes for a perfect accompaniment on a cheese platter.
Buying from Mount Zero Olives delivers a win across all fronts, with customers getting to enjoy nutritious and great-tasting regional produce that incurs very little food mileage, all the while supporting local biodynamic and organic farmers whose ethical and sustainable practices are helping to create a better future. Mount Zero Olives are always striving to reduce their environmental footprint, so when an opportunity to cut down on waste or reduce energy consumption arises, they take it. They are also proud to be in collaboration with the traditional land owners of the Wimmera region, the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, with whom they harvest the Pink Lake in Dimboola, closely following all their advice.
Mount Zero Olives are constantly innovating and adding to their product range to keep things interesting for their customers, and also to help them hone their processes and continually improve. Some recent newbies include a limited edition Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as well as a Chilli Pressed Olive Oil which have both been huge hits. This has evolved from the core beliefs and ambitions of Richard and his parents, to now being led or influenced by an amazing community of customers; chefs and home cooks alike. “They challenge us to be better and also to stick to our core values.”
“We’re always striving to make changes to our business that reduce our environmental footprint, so when an opportunity to cut down on waste or reduce energy consumption arises, we take it.”
