Mardouw Olive Estate celebrates record-breaking EVOO World Ranking
Mardouw Olive Estate, situated between Ashton and Swellendam in the Western Cape, has made history, achieving the highest-ever points for a South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). In the official EVOO World Rankings, Mardouw Olive Estate has secured the No. 1 spot in South Africa and No. 31 globally.
At a celebration hosted at the estate, Dr Ivan Meyer (Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism) praised Mardouw as a model for how SMEs can drive South Africa’s growth and global competitiveness. “Stories like Mardouw’s show what passion and commitment can achieve,” said Minister Meyer, highlighting the estate’s contribution to the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs vision.
Founder André Verder, now 93, reflected on the journey he and his wife, Marijke, began nearly 25 years ago, pioneering high-density olive planting in South Africa. Verder inspires all present by highlighting that you’re never too old to dream big. “You need to be open-minded. We were the first to innovate with high-density plantings in SA based on in-depth research by Carlo Costa from Stellenbosch University.
Dutch Consul-General Hélène Rekkers celebrated the strong ties between South Africa and the Netherlands, while Mardouw CEO Gerbrand Nijman reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to excellence, “At Mardouw, we have high standards of quality. This has been recognised around the world with platinum and gold awards in Italy, France, USA, UK, Israel, Argentina and Japan. We have been the proud winner of the most SA Olive awards the past three years and 8 consecutive ABSA Top 10 awards.”
It is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and passion of all involved.” Our ambition is to be in the top 20 within two years,” he said.
Mardouw Olive Estate continues to proudly produce premium South African EVOO, available in major retailers and expanding across global markets.
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Feature image credit: Mardouw Olive Estate
