ABSA TOP 10 OLIVE OIL

AWARDS

Widely regarded as the highlight of South Africa’s olive oil industry calendar, the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards acknowledges the most exceptional producers and products in the country. The awards follow the annual SA Olive Awards, where gold medal-winning EVOOs undergo a further round of meticulous blind tasting by an expert judging panel. From this elite group, the ten most outstanding EVOOs are chosen to receive the prestigious Absa Top 10 accolade.

2025 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Award Winners (in no particular order)

Mardouw Investments ZA (Pty) Ltd – Mardouw Premium Delicate – Delicate

De Rustica Estate – De Rustica Delicate – Delicate

Lions Creek Estate (Pty) Ltd – Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium

Morgenster Estate – Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium

Willow Creek Products (Pty) Ltd – Estate Blend – Medium

Tokara – Tokara Woolworths Estate EVOO – Medium

Babylonstoren – Babylonstoren Coratina – Medium

Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm – Picual – Medium

Andanté Olives Porterville – Andanté Intenso – Intense

Rio Largo Olive Estate – Rio Largo Premium – Intense

Now in its 12^th year, the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards represent the ongoing partnership between Absa and the SA Olive Industry Association, a collaboration that continues to foster quality, innovation, and sustainability within the South African olive oil sector.

Yolisa Mlungwana, Regional Segment Head at Absa Private Banking, said: “After 12 years of partnership, our theme ‘Your Story Matters’ reflects the essence of the South African olive industry – one of resilience, craftsmanship, and pride. Each bottle of locally produced EVOO tells a story of passion, hard work, and connection to the land, setting a global benchmark for quality. Absa is proud to once again be part of these awards, which celebrate excellence while supporting producers in building lasting relationships with retailers, distributors, and buyers.”

Wendy Petersen, CEO of SA Olive, added: “The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards remain the pinnacle of recognition for our local olive producers. It is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary talent, skill, and commitment that define this industry. Our producers continue to deliver world-class EVOOs that rival the best globally, and their pursuit of excellence is truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful to Absa for their unwavering partnership, which has been instrumental in showcasing and growing this remarkable sector.”

Guests at the ceremony enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon hosted by Chef Mynhardt Joubert, whose bespoke olive-inspired menu showcased the diversity, flavour, and versatility of South African olives and EVOOs. Each course paid tribute to the expertise of the producers with dishes such as black olive ‘roosterkoek’, roasted lamb with green olives, and olive oil ice-cream, each offering a sensory celebration.

The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards continue to shine a spotlight on South Africa’s thriving olive oil industry, and the 2025 winners exemplify the best of local production, innovation, and quality, reaffirming South Africa’s place on the global EVOO map.