RICH Glen Provedore's doors are about to open for the day in the burgeoning regional Murray River township of Yarrawonga... and, there she is... the dynamic, passionate olive oil foodie and lover of Australian produce, Rosalind Vodusek.
One moment she's busy on the broom, then realigning the many displays of oils, dressings, rubs, and jams, now she's unloading orders of fresh bread, and the eggs have just arrived too... it's all action at RG Provedore.
Ros and Daimien, together with their four children and Daimien's parents, Franc and Marija Vodusek are passionate about value adding to the 180,000 litres of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) they produce annually, from their 35,000+ olive trees on the farm, at Rich Glen Olive Estate.
For more than 25 years, this dedicated farming family has produced award–winning olive oil and now creates over 180 food and skin care products.
Each product bearing the Rich Glen 'RG' brand is 100% made–on–farm, including growing, harvesting, pressing and storage, followed by value–adding to the EVOO with product creation, design, production, packaging and distribution, all from their own farm gate.
"Each week, the orders are getting larger, not just from wholesalers but from our community – locals, tourism and online," Ros smiled
"We just can't believe how busy we've become, since COVID–19."
Expecting the worst, as their famed Farm–Gate Cafe and Store closed, they decided to take a leap of faith and try a shop–front in the heart of Yarrawonga, and with guidance from their son, Jack, they 'ramped–up' their online sales presence.
"It's just taken off," Ros said.
"The past two years have seen us almost double our production."
Rich Glen oils and dressings can now be found in many 'high end' Woolworths all over Australia, and they export to Singapore.
Just 12 months after the launch of RG Provedore, they opened a sister–store in 2021.
Located just a few doors up, Rich Glen Orangerie, showcases EVOO–based skincare, body, and home fresh ranges along with other quality Australian–made body–care products.
Ros, is quick to mention: "Our team is passionate too, always striving to create quality, natural, healthy 'on–trend' EVOO products to suit our customer's needs.
"We're always evolving or creating something new, and that's what makes what we do, so special and exciting."
Visit Rich Glen's Provedore & Orangerie at 137 Belmore St Yarrawonga, 7 days a week or online anytime, www.richglenoliveoil.com.
