What does The Olive Feed Corporation do?

The Olive Feed Corporation transforms the waste from olive oil production, the skins, flesh and stones, into a nutritious animal feed. We sell the feed around the world, and distribute the meat from our various suppliers into the high-end restaurants of Europe, the US and Asia.

What animals can be fed olive-feed?

Currently, we are feeding Wagyu cattle, Duroc pigs and Silverhill’s unique breed of duck.

Why are some breeds, such as Wagyu, more suitable than others?

Generally the fattier the meat the better the effect of the feed. It changes the fat profile, increasing the oleic acid, which lowers the melting point of the fat, and the glutamic acid, which is a distinctive flavour. The monounsaturated fat ratios increase compared to saturated fat, which makes it a lighter eating experience.

Is Ireland one of your main markets?

Ireland would not be a large market for olive feed because consumers have been led to believe low fat products are healthier. This is quite the unfortunate myth, given a fat-free pork chop can be like chewing on an old boot. It is unlikely that it will change for a while. We do have some producers like Ridgeway Wagyu in County Wicklow, whose beef has been in huge demand.

Where are your biggest markets?

Our biggest markets are the US and Australia. Our Australian farm produces 50 animals per month and the meat is shipped out all over Asia, the Middle East and Europe. We also have a number of farms in the United States, with the meat going to the premium establishments around the country.

Have you seen much growth in the market?

There has been solid growth. Food is the new fashion these days, and people who can afford it are willing to pay for food that is ethically raised, environmentally friendly, and has a better flavour and texture. We only started manufacturing Olive Feed in late 2018 and already we supply three continents, so it is a good sign of where the trends are going.

Do you think the environmental selling point gives you an advantage?

It is a great selling point. We are the only company in the world that is doing this. Olive oil waste leads to a lot of greenhouse gases in traditional treatments. President Higgins has spoken to us many times about the environmental work we are doing, and we got great support from Bord Bia for our endeavours.

What challenges face a company operating in such a niche space?

Unfortunately, the research institutions in Ireland are not interested in what we’re doing. We believe we have the basis for a study that says olive feed can significantly reduce methane gas production in cattle. You would think the agricultural universities would be all over it. Luckily, there is an appetite in Australia and the United States to tackle these problems in a practical manner, far more so then the EU, so we will do our research with universities there.