Behind South Africa’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) lie generations of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.

• Awarded in the prestigious Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, 10 farms have not only produced some of the most exquisite olive oils in the world.
• Every year, the SA Olive Awards panel judges and awards the best of South Africa’s EVOO producers.
• But they have also bottled the very essence of their unique locations and heritage.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

From this elite pool, the Absa Top 10 are selected, and these are the farms who have mastered the art, science and creativity of olive oil production.

It is about the people behind the product, the journey, the struggles and the triumphs.

// Yolisa Mlungwana of Absa Private Banking

Here are the stories of South Africa’s 2024 Top Ten EVOO producers:

De Rustica Estate

In the Oudemuragie Valley near the Swartberg Mountains, De Rustica has become a benchmark for global excellence. With 77,000 trees and a firm sustainability philosophy, it is no surprise this estate was also named the best EVOO in the world.

Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate

This father-daughter team from the Garden Route blends heritage with innovation. Their location, between lime-rich soil and sea breeze, adds an unmistakable note to their internationally acclaimed oils.

Lapithos Olive Farm

Small in scale but big on heart, Lapithos in Scherpenheuwel honours tradition and sustainability. With wildlife roaming freely and every tree immersed in family memory, this boutique farm proves that hands-on care yields exceptional quality.

Mardouw Olive Estate

Eight families. One vision. Mardouw’s consistent wins over the past eight years reflect a culture of friendly rivalry, shared purpose and commitment to innovation that has raised the bar in South Africa’s olive industry.

Morgenster Estate

With a passionate team, and a charming farm dog named Kyle, Morgenster’s multiple awards are a testament to love, craft and persistence.

Ouma Se Huis Boutique Olive Estate

Calitzdorp’s gem, Ouma Se Huis, has bottled the beauty and warmth of its surroundings. This 2024 winner shows that small-batch, heart-led production never goes unnoticed.

Rio Largo Olive Estate

Nick and Brenda Wilkinson’s Breede River haven champions sustainability, community, and taste. With its signature red fox logo, Rio Largo is a standout for both quality and ethical farming.

Terre Paisible

True to its name, “peaceful land”, Terre Paisible in Franschhoek produces outstanding EVOO from five Italian cultivars. Wild terroir and meticulous farming have earned it a respected place on this list.

Tokara

Nestled below Simonsberg, Tokara blends ancient olive traditions with forward-thinking tech. This pioneering farm has become both a top destination and a top producer of award-winning oils.

Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm

With roots dug deep into the Goukou Riverbanks, the Brummer family’s vision has flourished in Stilbaai. With over a decade of experience, their EVOOs are as soulful as the land they come from.

The dedication of our producers makes it possible to create EVOOs that can stand proudly on the world stage.

// CEO of SA Olive, Wendy Petersen

Through the continued collaboration between SA Olive and Absa, the South African olive oil industry is not only elevated but celebrated. These are more than just oils. They are stories in a bottle.

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