Caretakers
Colin and Nalini Baruch; guardians, inventors, pioneers, passionate food enthusiasts.
Guardians
Colin and Nalini purchased a year-old olive grove in 1997, with the aim one day to provide New Zealand with homegrown premium extra virgin olive oils. Years later, with some of the original trees replaced with Nalini’s choice of olive varieties, they have honed their craft by being involved in all aspects of their business, from the grove to the table. Early success at local and national levels saw LOT EIGHT extra virgin olive oils in speciality food stores and in the kitchens of leading restaurants. LOT EIGHT rapidly became the regional leader with a reputation for high quality oils, exceptional customer service and a broader understanding of food service requirements. They are counted amongst the original pioneers of the olive industry in New Zealand. Today they attribute their growth and longevity to the support and loyalty of growers who contract grow olives for LOT EIGHT, as well as the olive mills that mill their olives. These are based in Carteton and Featherston, a short distance from the Lot Eight’s own olive trees. Nalini and Colin see themselves as guardians, they are now the only pioneers still marketing their product with a business that manages the processes from farm to kitchen.
Tastemakers
Nalini arrived in New Zealand in the early 80s. Many of the herbs and spices used in Indian cooking of her heritage were difficult to find in New Zealand, allowing her to sample flavours from other cuisines and develop her own unique fusion flavours. Her ability to create food using fresh ingredients is the reason Lot Eight is able to produce fragrant oils like the Citrus, Harissa, Aromatic, Yuzu, Flavours of the East and Herbes de Provence. Nalini handpicks each ingredient and determines the quantities she will need to create flavours when pressed with fresh olives. The result is a combined flavour profile that pleases the palate of anyone looking for fresh wholesome flavours. Chefs play a key part in Nalini’s creations, asking for bespoke blends exclusively for their kitchen. This collaboration has resulted in the world first cold pressed Yuzu olive oil and a unique blend of citrus olive oil.
The Kitchen
As part of the journey, Lot Eight operates its own commercial kitchen which doubles up as a demo room where visitors have the opportunity to sample creations and purchase olive oils by arrangement. Demonstrations are limited to 8-10 people at a time. The focus of the demonstrations is to show ways to use Lot Eight oils and provisions in a simple and practical manner to produce tasty dishes for all occasions. Bookings are essential as tastings involve dishes made fresh using seasonal ingredients. Please note that tastings are limited to those days the commercial kitchen is not being used for the production of Lot Eight provisions like our popular marinated olives with all the marinades made from scratch in the Lot Eight kitchen. Prior booking is essential.
