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:
De Rustica (3)
Mardouw (4)
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.
