The Aussie Olive Oil Baron Taking on America—And Raising the Stakes
Cobram Estate’s chairman, Rob McGavin, isn’t just tapping into the U.S.—he thinks the market feels like Australia from two decades ago. And he’s putting his money behind that bet.
A Bold Move: Raising A$185 Million to Feed the U.S. Thirst
Cobram Estate is raising A$185 million, including a sell-down of 2 million shares by co-CEOs Sam Beaton and Leandro Ravetti, to fund expansion aimed squarely at winning over American tables.
Why the U.S. Feels Familiar (and Promising)
Australia 20 Years Ago: McGavin sees a U.S. market that’s ripe—plenty of olive oil consumption, but still space for a premium, trusted brand to grow as Aussie producers once did.
Cobram’s Track Record: Founded in 1998 by McGavin and Paul Riordan, Cobram now boasts full vertical integration—from nurseries to mills, labs to bottling—in both Victoria and California.
Sustainability Credentials: They've built a reputation not just for scale, but for efficiency—yields nearly nine times the global average, with 30% lower production cost per litre, and near-zero waste. Their innovations—in water use, carbon management, and waste valorisation—have earned them multiple AFR Sustainability Leader awards.
Growth by the Numbers
Massive Scale: Cobram oversees roughly 2.6 million olive trees across 7,000 hectares in Australia, and nearly 800,000 trees across 1,025 hectares in California.
Skyrocketing U.S. Sales: FY2025 saw Cobram’s U.S. branded sales explode—up 101% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Australian branded sales rose 16.6%, pushing total packaged goods sales to A$163 million.
A Premium Price Tag: Cobram products command a quality and flavor premium—and it's sticking. The 2025 “First Harvest” release alone, with its fresh, bold flavours, sold out quickly at A$60 for 500 mL.
Awards & Recognition
Cobram's commitment to excellence isn't just internal—it's been validated globally:
At the 2025 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, it claimed three Silver Awards for its U.S. products, including Everyday Essentials Mild, California Select, and Everyday Essentials Robust.
What It Means for the Industry (and Investors)
Scale + Sustainability = Durable Advantage
Cobram’s vertically integrated model and sustainability credentials create high entry barriers for competitors and position the company as a trusted premium supplier.Strategic U.S. Push Backed by Capital
Raising nearly A$200 million signals intent—and gives Cobram muscle to expand grove acreage, ramp up milled output, and supercharge U.S. distribution.Outlook Looks Strong
With FY2025 EBITDA targeting A$115 million, this expansion could crystallise into robust investor returns.A Case Study in Agricultural Branding
Cobram demonstrates how an Aussie agribusiness can elevate a commodity into a high-margin, globally recognised lifestyle brand—evolving from “olive oil producer” to “olive oil innovator.
Cobram Estate’s story is a reminder that regional innovation can go global when it’s paired with smart IP strategy, capital, and vision. From groves in Victoria to shelves in California, it shows how protecting and leveraging intellectual property turns raw ideas—and raw produce—into enduring global brands.
At Regional IP, we work with regional founders, growers, and makers who want to follow that same path: turning local ingenuity into international opportunity. Whether it’s securing patents, safeguarding your brand, or building an IP strategy that attracts investors, we help SMEs and startups protect what makes them unique—so they can scale with confidence.
👉 If you’re building the next big thing from regional Australia, now’s the time to make your IP work as hard as you do.