“Your Story Matters”
Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm Celebrates Passion and the Power of Community
In 2009, the Brummer family breathed new life into a neglected piece of land. What began as an ordinary olive farm with a handful of forgotten trees has since flourished into the acclaimed Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm. Today, it produces some of South Africa’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs), which have been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, most notably the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Award. Their story is one of passion, dedication, and a faithful belief that every tree, every harvest, and every hand in the process holds a story worth telling.
The farm’s unique location along the fertile limestone banks of the Goukou River plays a vital role in cultivating olives of exceptional quality. The combination of nutrient-rich soil and temperate climate gives the olives their distinct character. Unlike mass-production farms, Oudewerfskloof takes a labour-intensive, hands-on approach to farming. Every olive is carefully hand-picked, ensuring that only the best fruit goes into their oil. This meticulous care and attention to detail guarantees a product of the highest standard.
At the heart of Oudewerfskloof’s success are the people who bring it to life every day. Among them is Basil Koopman, who has been with the farm for over a decade and was appointed in 2014. Under his steady leadership, the farm has transformed into a benchmark of quality, earning several accolades, including its recent Absa Top 10 recognition. In 2024, Basil was appointed as SA Olive’s Agriworker of the Year, a powerful affirmation of his dedication and impact.
However, Basil is just one of many stories on the farm. His wife, Marlyn Koopman, was promoted to supervisor of the packaging room in 2024. She now oversees the farm’s packaging process, ensuring their high standards are met with every bottle. Another inspiring figure is Monique who began her journey as a general worker, and because of her passion and dedication, she has now taken on a central role in client relations and guest relations, as well as assisting with markets and tastings.
In 2020, during the uncertainty of the global pandemic, the farm faced an immense loss with the passing of Henriette who was one of its original founders and the visionary behind its early beginnings. Her absence left a deep void, but her spirit continued to inspire. The team, united in grief and determination, chose to honour her legacy by carrying forward the dream she had so passionately nurtured.
Winning the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Award has been a defining moment on that journey. The recognition brought national attention, elevating the farm’s profile and creating new opportunities. It validated years of hard work and reinforced the farm’s reputation for producing olive oil of exceptional quality.
Looking ahead, the Brummer family remains committed to producing exceptional EVOO while creating a supportive environment for their team. The farm is investing in training and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every worker has the chance to grow alongside the business. With its roots deeply planted in resilience, quality, and community, Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm continues to succeed. Its journey is far from over, and the future is filled with promise as it proudly contributes to the growth of the South African olive oil industry.
Further to this, the farm offers tranquil and comfortable holiday accommodation with breathtaking views of the Goukou River to the public, and they are well positioned in Oleo Tourism.
