“Your Story Matters”
Mardouw Olive Estate – where eight is the magic number
At Mardouw Olive Estate, competition thrives in the most unexpected way – between families. The estate provides housing for eight families, and this brings about a healthy and friendly rivalry among them to keep their gardens the neatest and most beautiful. This quirky tradition not only adds a personal touch to the estate but also encourages a sense of community and pride among the workers. This is just one of the unique aspects that makes Mardouw Olive Estate a standout in the South African olive industry.
The farm’s dedication to quality, its environment and to innovation is evident in Mardouw’s multiple awards, including winning the prestigious Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Award for eight consecutive years. Winning this award has been instrumental in building Mardouw’s strong brand and reinforcing its reputation for quality.
Nestled between the breathtaking Langeberg mountains, Mardouw Olive Estate is a family-owned business that has gained widespread applause for its exceptional superior Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Since its transformation into an olive farm in 2002, under the ownership of André and Marijke Verder, Mardouw has become one of South Africa’s leading olive oil producers.
Located between Ashton and Swellendam in the heart of South Africa’s olive-growing region, Mardouw Olive Estate benefits from a perfect Mediterranean climate which is key to producing world-class olives. The estate’s prime location, combined with the beauty of the Langeberg mountains, provides the ideal terroir for Mardouw’s olives, enhancing the distinctiveness of their EVOO.
Mardouw Olive Estate’s impact on the South African olive industry has been significant and this is mostly due to the estate’s small but dedicated team. The estate places a strong emphasis on creating a sense of community and empowering its workers. In addition to promoting a sense of community, Mardouw is almost fanatical about supporting its workers in their personal and professional growth through partnerships such as the SA Olive Association’s mentorship initiative, which offers opportunities for skill development. Several of Mardouw’s workers have already advanced to supervisory roles and proves that Mardouw’s is true to its word and its promise to empower its people and help them achieve their full potential.
Mardouw is also committed to sustainable farming practices that protect both the environment and the people who work on the farm. In addition to adhering to rigorous safety and health standards, Mardouw has implemented environmentally friendly farming practices to ensure the farm’s healthy longevity.
Mardouw Olive Estate is a very real example of how passion, and an unwavering commitment to quality can lead to success. From its quirky garden competitions to its world-class EVOO production, Mardouw is a beacon of excellence in the South African olive industry and is determined to remain a leader in the industry for years to come.
