Our Story

Today, Gigi Gourmet features its own range of signature products - from vinegars, to marinated olives, olive oils and pasta sauces, all locally made using Australian grown produce, but the story of where it started spans over 57 years... 

Home Grown Success

Trading under Koala Olives, Aurelio and Bianca Marangon began business in 1966 preserving green olives using traditional recipes, prepared in a copper boiler and sold to local customers.

Working from their Beelbangera base, what began as simply a home preserves developed into a small processing operation providing green olives to a Sydney customer.

Louis, who assised his parents in his spare time, recalls "the whole operation started with 50 kilograms of green olives" grown on his parents property.

The Next Generation

Their son Louis Marangon purchased the business from his parents in December 1984, seeing the business grow from an enterprising home business to a gourmet producer supplying national clients and tourist attractions. Louis expanded the product line to include pickles onions and vegetables, tomato relish, chilli sauce and plums in port wine.

Through the 1980s and 90s, the business grew into new markets and seasonal production grew to an output of up to 1,500 jars per day, with new products developed including salad dressings and antipasto, along with production of bulk ingredients for other manufacturers.

Gigi the Gourmet Grocer

Fast forward to 2022 and Louis, with the support of his wife and two daughters, opens Gigi the Gourmet Grocer, located at 99-101 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.

The beautifully appointed store features a range of carefully selected artisanal groceries and homewares with a focus on supporting Australian businesses and producers.

Gigi Gourmet features its own range of signature products - from vinegars, to marinated olives, olive oils and pasta sauces, all locally made using Australian grown produce.

Drop into the store for a coffee and a chat – there's always loads of seasonal products that can't be found online, or spend the time selecting products to create the perfect gift hamper to share with friends and family.

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