High-profile New Zealand chef Michael Van de Elzen is officially teaming up with Grove
High-profile New Zealand chef Michael Van de Elzen is officially teaming up with the country’s best selling avocado oil, having used it as one of his ‘secret ingredients’ for many years.
Van de Elzen, known for the popular television series Kiwi Living, Family Recipes and The Food Truck, has now become the exclusive brand ambassador for Grove Avocado Oil.
“I’ve been a huge fan of avocado oil for years,” he admits. “I love its health properties and the fact the flavour works so well with a wide variety of dishes. Grove Avocado Oil is the best on the market because of its colour, taste and quality, plus they’re bloody good people too so it’s a pleasure to be working with the team at Grove.”
Grove General Manager Derek Masters says Van de Elzen began using the company’s avocado oil when he first opened his renowned Mt Eden restaurant, Molten, in 2004. “He has several recipes he’s always sworn by and one of the secret ingredients in them is Grove Avocado Oil.
“He’s also featured Grove in some of his cook books so we asked if he was interested in becoming our official brand ambassador and we’re delighted to announce the partnership.”
Van de Elzen will soon begin creating new culinary recipes to help showcase Grove’s exceptional extra virgin avocado oil, as well as the company’s lime, garlic, chilli and lemon pepper infused oils. He will also host tasting events and promote Grove Avocado Oil in the wider New Zealand media.
Avocados – and avocado oil – have surged in global popularity in recent years thanks to greater awareness about the health benefits they deliver. They’re full of micro-nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants and are an excellent source of ‘healthy’ monounsaturated fat.
“Anyone who has watched Michael on television knows he is passionate about creating healthy options,” Masters says. “He truly believes that less is more, and Grove has less saturated fat and the highest smoke point of any extra virgin oil on the market so it remains stable during high temperature cooking and is ideal for stir frying, pan frying, roasting or barbecuing.”
The sumptuous green oil is very mild with a hint of fresh avocado and slight buttery taste that enhances the natural flavour of foods, rather than overpowering them. It’s extremely versatile and can be used to make dips, marinades, dressings and sauces, while Grove Avocado Oil’s natural moistening properties help to seal in the juicy tenderness of meat, fish and seafood.
Grove is based in the sunny Bay of Plenty. It takes at least 12 perfectly ripened avocados to fill each 250ml bottle of Grove Avocado Oil. The skin and stones are removed and the avocado flesh is delicately cold-pressed in a single extra virgin process. The oil is then poured into light sensitive glass bottles which are designed to preserve its freshness and flavour.
About Grove Avocado Oil
Grove Avocado Oil is a Tauranga-based company which began operating in 2000. Their range of gourmet oils are now sold online and in selected supermarkets nationwide. They’re also widely exported and are popular throughout Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.
For more information or images please contact:
Derek Masters
Grove General Manager
M: 027 234 2484
P: (07) 552 6365
To speak to Michael Van de Elzen please contact:
Kate Barron
Niki Schuck PR
M: 0274220079
