SA Olive and  its sponsor Absa announced the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards last week. Absa’s participation in and support of the Awards reflects that it is committed to South African agriculture and promotes the development of South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

In accordance with the rules of the annual Awards, which have been awarded for the 8th time this year,  ten different olive oils must be recognised,  ‘to support the development of the South African olive oil industry by maximising exposure and opportunities for local EVOO producers.’

The  2021 SA Olive Awards were held in August and September, with 113 South African EVOOs assessed by a Judging Panel through a strictly controlled blind tasting. The highest-scoring oils out of the 30 gold medal winners became contenders for the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards. These olive oils were judged and the winners selected by a panel of revered tasters and local experts, led by olive oil authority and Panel Leader Dr Aldo Mazzini who had flown in from Italy to preside over the judging.

The following ten olive oil brands were recognised as the Absa Top 10 Olive Oils in our country:

Willow Creek: Willow Creek Directors Reserve EVOO
Lions Creek: Lions Creek Karoo Blend EVOO
De Rustica Olive Estate: De Rustica Estate Collection Frantoio
Olive Boutique: Olive Boutique Frantoio
Mardouw: XXV Intense
Porterville Olives: Andante Intenso
Serrado: Serrado EVOO
Lapithos: Lapithos Family Reserve
Rio Largo Estate: Rio Largo Premium
Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate: Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate Blend

John Tshabalala, Absa’s Managing Executive Business Bank Western & Eastern Cape said: ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the South African economy. Many industries, including the olive oil industry has faced unprecedented challenges during this period. The local oil industry has shown great resilience in overcoming these challenges by continuing to showcase excellence in producing uniquely and proudly South African extra virgin olive oil and supporting hundreds of jobs while making a meaningful contribution to the economy and communities’.

SA Olive Chairman Nick Wilkinson said that the 2021 season had delivered olive oils of excellent quality, many of which had already been recognised internationally. Mr Wilkinson thanked Absa for continuing to believe in the South African olive oil industry.

 

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide