In what can rightly be called a tumultuous year, South African olive oil producers have once again proven their grit and ability to produce world-class olive oils under pressure and diverse conditions.
With a crop that looks to be 30% up from 2019, the SA Olive Awards entries also show a healthy number of 104 oils. A dedicated panel of tasters judged these oils during the week of 17 – 21 August and the results will be announced via a live streaming event to be held on Thursday 27 August.
The SA Olive Awards is an event dedicated to the producers of extra virgin olive oil and the high quality of their product. Before an oil can be entered into the competition, it has to qualify for the SA Olive CTC seal. This seal ensures that the oil is locally produced and tested by a panel of expert tasters that deem it as an extra virgin olive oil. The seal also assures consumers of the transparency of the message on the label.
Although the South African olive oil industry is small compared to its counterparts in the Northern hemisphere, it stands shoulder to shoulder with them and is often in the limelight at international competitions.
Be sure to tune in for the SA Olive Awards this Thursday via Facebook or Instagram. The charming and talented Jo-Ann Strauss and well-known television presenter and food writer, Ilse van der Merwe, will present the event.
