In September last year, the SA Olive awards were held at the Franschhoek Cellar in Franschhoek when the gold medal winners were then entered into a further judging ceremony to be selected as the Absa Top 10 Olive awards – la crème de la crème of South African Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs). These Top Ten winners have now earned a place among South Africa’s finest and can confidently compete with the best in the world. Behind each farm, each drop of liquid gold, there’s a story … and that story is what goes into producing world-beating EVOOs. Here’s a snapshot of the stories behind the winners:
De Rustica Estate:
Nestled in the pristine Oudemuragie Valley near the Swartberg Mountains, De Rustica Estate was founded by Rob Still in 2006 and is now home to 77,000 olive trees that produce premium EVOO owing to the estate’s ideal terroir and an unfaltering commitment to quality. Not only a winner of the Absa Top Ten but also voted the best EVOO in the world, this olive farm is also applauded for its sustainability and environmental responsibility.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate:
In the heart of the Garden Route, Kleinbergskloof is run by a father-daughter duo who blend tradition and passion and draw upon the farm’s distinctive terroir with lime-rich soils and its proximity to the ocean, to produce world-class oils that continue to win international acclaims.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Lapithos Olive Farm:
This is a small-scale family-run boutique farm in Scherpenheuwel, where Lapithos blends respect for nature and personal connections to the land. Each olive tree is a testament to family memories, and, with wildlife roaming freely across unfenced fields. Lapithos’ dedication to sustainability is apparent. Its quality earned them a spot among the Absa Top Ten, proving that a hands-on approach can yield extraordinary results.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Mardouw Olive Estate:
Mardouw attributes its success to a unique and healthy, friendly competition between eight families that live on the estate. Add to that an abiding commitment to innovation, quality, and community and it’s easy to see why Mardouw is a perennial winner in the Absa Top Ten competition. After eight years of winning, Mardouw has earned both respect and leadership within South Africa’s olive industry.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Morgenster Estate:
Blend a love for premium olive oils with South Africa’s ideal climate, and you appreciate why Giulio Bertrand founded Morgenster, in 1994. The charm and idiosyncrasies on the farm are matched by an erring dedication to quality and, when you also meet Kyle the friendly farm dog along with the rest of the charming team on the farm, you can see why Morgenster has become a multi-award-winning producer and won the hearts of its followers.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Ouma Se Huis Boutique Olive Estate:
Located in the heart of Calitzdorp, Ouma Se Huis produces Charisma 2 Delicate EVOO, awarded a coveted 2024 Absa Top Ten recognition. With fertile land and an ideal climate, this farm produces EVOO that is a true reflection of the beauty and hard work of its people, ensuring a top-quality product.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Rio Largo Olive Estate:
Founded by Nick and Brenda Wilkinson in 2010, Rio Largo’s commitment to health-conscious farming and local community support is evident in its exceptional EVOO. The estate’s red fox logo symbolizes its deep connection to nature and the rich Breede River, which nourishes the land.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Terre Paisible:
Situated in the scenic Franschhoek Valley, Terre Paisible combines pristine, wild terroir with the skillful care of its dedicated crew. Since its inception in 2015, the estate has quickly earned a reputation for high-quality EVOO, producing oils from five carefully chosen Italian olive varieties.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Tokara
At the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain Range, Tokara combines tradition and innovation to create award-winning EVOO. Founded in 2001, the estate’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology with a very healthy respect for nature has made a special place to visit where a special and winning EVOO is produced.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm:
Oudewerfskloof is an olive farm near Stilbaai in the Western Cape Winelands, where the Brummer Family nurture 15 000 trees to produce award-winning olive products. With over ten years’ experience in the olive industry, the Brummer Family wants to share its beauty and secret ingredients from the deepest soil of the Goukou Riverbanks, with others.
To read the farm’s full story, click here.
The Regional Segment Head at Absa Private Banking, Yolisa Mlungwana says that Absa is proud to have been collaborating with the SA olive industry for the past 11 years. “We know it’s really about the stories behind the successes. Yes, it is all about the quality of the EVOO, of course, but it’s about the people behind the product – the journey, the struggles and the triumphs of these amazing producers – because that’s what makes these EVOOs extra special.”
Wendy Petersen, CEO of SA Olive, also says that the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards is the ultimate platform for bringing to life the excellence of South African EVOOs. She said: “This event highlights the fusion of product, people, and skill of South Africa’s olive oil industry. The dedication and commitment of our producers make it possible to create EVOOs of such exceptional quality that can stand proudly on the world stage.”
The ongoing partnership between the SA Olive Industry Association and Absa continues to be instrumental in elevating the profile of South African EVOOs. It promotes the quality of the EVOOs and tells the stories of the people and the traditions behind them. These stories of resilience, passion, fun and innovation are what craft and define South Africa’s olive oil industry.
ALSO SEE: Ouma Se Huis wins Absa Top 10 recognition
