South Africa has more than 100 olive oil producers, and its production has increased almost four-fold to 7000 tons in the last nine years.  The best olive oil brands were acknowledged by the S A Olive association, and Waterfall River in Franschhoek, Kleinood and Rio Largo were the top three brands to win double gold awards at the recent 2010 awards ceremony, reports Bolander.  

South Africa now produces one-third of the world’s top virgin olive oils.   At the awards function, the audience was reminded that our country’s extra virgin olive oils are superior in their quality, and that “sub-standard” imported olive oils should not be supported.  “South Africa’s olive oil industry may be relatively young but we’ve had ample time to study the industries of other countries to avoid the pitfalls and ensure that the right cultivars are planted on the right soils”, said Andries Rabe, Chairman of SA Olive.

Linda Costa of SA Olive was awarded Olive Achiever of the Year, for her focus on promoting the olive industry as well as its quality.  Her grandfather Ferdinando Costa was the first to start the olive oil industry in Paarl.   Pikkie Lourens of Olyfberg also received an Achiever Award, for her passion for the industry.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio:  www.whalecottage.com