These are South Africa’s best olive oils

On 8 September 2022, the winners of the SA Olive Awards were announced at an exclusive lunch held in Paarl. The main objective of the awards is to recognise the outstanding commitment of the country’s extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) producers and their continual pursuit of excellence, despite the challenges faced during the year. All the producers entered into the 2022 SA Olive Awards were judged by an expert panel of international and local judges.

“Winning a medal, regardless of its colour, where you are in your career and no matter how old you are – that very recognition is wonderful in itself but is also a tangible reward for all the dedication and all the sacrifices that were needed to get you to that moment of complete joy and pride. And the additional joy is that you can share and celebrate the success with others. You simply can’t put a price on that,” said Olympic sprinter and SA Olive Ambassador and MC Geraldine Pillay-Viret.

A total of 49 producers submitted 119 entries, an increase on last year’s 113 entries from 46 producers.

The following South African extra virgin olive oils were judged to be the best:

Gold Awards in the Delicate Category:

De Rustica Estate Delicate

Lions Creek Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Rio Largo Gold

Food Lover’s Signature South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil

River Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Porterville Andante Delicate

Gold Awards for the Medium Category: 

Chaloner The Peregrine Limited Edition

Darling Olives Estate Limited Blend EVOO

De Rustica Collection: Coratina

De Rustica Estate Medium

Die Klip Huis

Galenia Estate: Mission

Het Vlock Casteel Favolosa

Mardouw Oil of the Olive Medium

Mardoux XXV Medium

Morgenster Don Carlo Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Morgenster  Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil

OWK: Picual

Porterville Andante Intenso

Zoetigheyd Premium Frantoio

Gold Awards for the Intense Category:

Altevrede: Favolosa

Mardouw Oil of the Olive Favolosa

Mardouw XXV Intense

OWK: Favolosa

Porterville Andante Forte

Multiple Gold Medals:

The highest-scoring gold medal winners from the SA Olive Awards will be entered into a further round of judging and the top EVOOs will be selected for the prestigious Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, which will take place on 7 October 2022 at a venue to be announced.

When buying olive oil, always look out for the SA Olive CTC seal. This is a seal of confidence and the guarantee that the producer is committed to compliance in quality olive oil production. It confirms that the EVOO is 100% locally produced and is authentic extra virgin olive oil.