“Your Story Matters”
Tokara blends the old and the new
The overriding impression that the Tokara estate gives is how it combines tradition with innovation. Tokara’s winning recipe is to respect what nature has to offer and then deploy technology to derive the best quality product. Given that Tokara repeatedly wins top awards, of which the Absa Top Ten Extra Virgin Olive Oil award is the most recent, this formula is working well.
This understanding of nature and its produce also gives visitors to Tokara a rare glimpse into what makes the estate special because they not only can taste the estate’s exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) but they can also stroll among the olive groves. This immersive experience allows visitors to connect with the land and what it produces in a personal way.
Situated at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain Range, Tokara’s story began in 2001 when the owners had a vision to craft world-class EVOO that would complement the estate’s renowned wines. They planted olive trees and what started as a bold idea has now grown into a success story depicting how the mix of blending tradition with innovation makes each bottle of Tokara EVOO a beacon of the farm’s relentless dedication to precision, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
The Tokara estate enjoys a perfect combination of environmental factors: a cooler climate, clay-rich soils, and refreshing sea breezes that create an ideal terroir for growing olives. With its boutique-style production approach, Tokara conducts meticulous quality control at every stage, from hand-harvesting to the delicate processing of the olives. The result is an EVOO that stands out for its rich flavour and quality.
Another winning formula is how the team at Tokara share a sense of community. Farm workers and management work together in a cohesive farm culture. Avril Davids, a dedicated team member since 2003, is a perfect example of the farm’s commitment to professional development and growth as her journey at Tokara saw her rise from a team member role into a supervisory and EVOO taster role. Her dedication and leadership continue to inspire the team, fostering a work environment built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a collective commitment to excellence.
The farm’s strong sense of community extends beyond just the work environment. Tokara is a family, where each team member’s contribution is valued, and where success is shared. Initiatives such as the Tokara Housing Trust, which provides affordable housing for farm workers, and various wellness programmes designed to improve both physical and financial well-being all blend to make everyone at Tokara feel respected, included and valued. Through continuous training opportunities, Tokara ensures that its workers have the tools and support they need to thrive professionally and personally.
Sustainability and social responsibility are also key pillars of Tokara’s operations. The farm has implemented numerous practices to ensure that both the environment and its workers are treated with respect and care. These include health and safety programmes, employment equity initiatives, and partnerships with associations such as Wieta and Siza, which help promote ethical labour practices and environmental sustainability.
Looking to the future, Tokara is optimistic about the continued growth of the South African olive oil industry. By focusing on quality over quantity and by supporting small-scale producers, Tokara remains committed to producing EVOOs that are of exceptional quality and a true reflection of the Western Cape’s unique terroir.
