Well oiled company in full flow

Avocados are now widely regarded as nature's super food because they are full of micro-nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants
Brian Richardson, Grove executive director Just a decade ago, the idea of cooking with avocado oil was unheard of.
But the work of Tauranga-based company Grove Avocado Oil changed that with its range of cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oils.
This month, Grove celebrates 10 years of business, including exporting to 10 countries.
Grove executive director Brian Richardson said the company - established by a group of avocado orchardists - had fought hard to establish and grow its premium range of products.
Start-up costs for the business had been "huge".
"We have poured our heart and soul into research, development, product innovation and consumer education to help grow the demand for avocado oil and we are only now starting to see a financial return on that investment."
Consumers were now well-informed about the health benefits of avocados, which had spin-offs for the industry as a whole.
"Avocados are now widely regarded as nature's super food because they are full of micro-nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants," Mr Richardson said.
"People have realised that eating avocados helps lower cholesterol and they are an important source of vitamin E and omega 3 and 6."
The company has worked hard to educate home chefs about when and where to use avocado oil.
It has the highest smoke point of any extra virgin oil, which means it remains stable during high temperature cooking methods such as frying, roasting and barbecuing.
Grove Avocado Oil was the first product of its kind to be sold on supermarket shelves and is now exported to Australia, Malaysia, UK, Hong Kong, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Malaysia and Mexico.
The company's extensive range of cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oils are sold in 340 supermarkets in New Zealand and 1500 grocery shops in Australia.
Challenges have included an inconsistent supply of avocados for processing, due to the seasonal nature of the fruit.
But Grove believed New Zealand avocados produced the best quality oil in the world, Mr Richardson said.
The company has promoted the avocado industry by investing heavily in marketing and branding.
And Mr Richardson expects the avocado oil market to flourish,here and internationally.
Grove's range of cold-pressed, extra virgin avocado oils now includes lime, garlic and horopito (pepper) infused flavours, as well as premium, organic and aerosol spray products.