Olive Oil Test Market

From the PR slush pile:

STAR® Fine Foods, the 113-year-old West Coast importer of olive oils and specialty food products, has selected the Mile High City to test a stable of new products, including the first locally grown extra virgin olive oil in its history scheduled for major distribution. Star’s new California Extra Virgin Olive Oil, recognizable by its lighter flavor, will be available in Denver this fall at Walmart and Albertson’s.

Okay, if it's in Denver, it will probably make its way to Boulder County as well, right?

Star representatives will be visiting Denver this week for a series of media appearances, as well as an olive oil tasting and pairing party Thursday at OTOTO Food & Wine — where the brand will be introducing its new olive oil to a handful of food and family bloggers and media members. Star is also out to create awareness about the Mediterranean Diet, which is being forsaken in Europe by the innovators of the lifestyle, according to recent reports.

 Local bloggers that I know are attending are Cookistry from Longmont and Creative Culinary from Denver. After the event, I'm sure we'll know about all the rest of them.

If you can make it in the kitchens and restaurants of Denver and the West, home to some of the most discriminating Mediterranean cuisine-loving foodies and families in the world, you can make it anywhere.

That’s the thinking of Star Fine Foods, the 113-year-old West Coast importer of olive oils and specialty food products that has selected the Mile High City to test a stable of new products, including the first locally grown extra virgin olive oil in its history, which is scheduled for major distribution and promotion.

Based in Fresno, Calif., Star is among the Golden State’s oldest and most distinguished makers of Mediterranean specialty products, known for its locally distinctive olive oils produced from some of the richest olive-growing regions of the world.

The new Star® California Extra Virgin Olive Oil features a unique blend of fresh, first cold-pressed Arbequina, Arbosana and Koroneiki olives grown in California’s Central Valley. It arrives in Denver and Western U.S. supermarkets and specialty food retailers Fall 2011 in 16- and 24-ounce glass bottles for the suggested retail price of $9.45 and $12.98, respectively. It’s also available online now.

“Denver knows its Mediterranean cuisine like few other places in the country — so we knew we wanted to preview our new California EVOO here,” said Jeffrey Freeman, CEO and president of Borges USA.

According to Freeman, Denver olive oil fans can expect memorable aromas, fruity notes and a peppery finish that is uniquely complementary to Star’s olive oils grown in the Mediterranean region. Star will be working with Denver-based chefs, restaurateurs, food bloggers and other influencers to get the word out.

“Even the most passionate connoisseurs of Mediterranean cuisine are surprised to learn of the remarkable taste variances and pairing possibilities of regionally grown olive oils,” he said. “Our new California EVOO offers a bolder taste, perfect for a lighter menu. It pairs especially well with salads, pastas and marinades, and is great for bread dipping.”

Like all olive oils, Star California Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the healthiest fats, with no cholesterol, carbohydrates or trans fats.  It is gluten-free and high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.