Little-known South African estate rises to the top of the olive oil world

Cape Town – De Rustica Olive Estate, located in the Klein Karoo near De Rust, has become the first South African producer to win first prize at the International Olive Council’s (IOC) Mario Solinas Quality Awards for the Southern Hemisphere, placing the country’s olive oil industry in the international spotlight.

According to BusinessTech, the estate’s Coratina extra virgin olive oil secured first place in the small-scale producer category, improving on its second-place finish in the same category in 2025.

The International Olive Council confirmed that eight extra virgin olive oils from Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Uruguay received recognition in the 2026 competition. A total of 24 oils were submitted and assessed by an international jury of eight expert tasters.

The judging process evaluated the oils’ aroma, taste, complexity, harmony and persistence, with the awards recognising products demonstrating exceptional quality and sensory characteristics.

De Rustica chief executive Eleanor Stoker said the achievement demonstrated the potential of South African producers.

“South African producers have the climate, the skill and, importantly, the ambition to make truly exceptional olive oil,” Stoker said, according to BusinessTech.

“For me, this is less about celebrating one result and more about what it says is possible – for De Rustica and for our industry,” she added.

Founded in 2006 by mining entrepreneur Rob Still, the estate began producing extra virgin olive oil in 2012. It has since established itself as an internationally recognised producer, with previous accolades including recognition at the EVOOLEUM international competition.

The SA Olive Association has previously highlighted the estate’s achievements, including its 2023 success when its Coratina olive oil was named the EVOOLEUM Absolute Best.

The latest award comes as South Africa’s olive industry continues to develop its international reputation. BusinessTech reported that local olive farming is growing by approximately 20% annually, while most of the country’s olive oil production is consumed domestically.

The IOC award therefore represents not only a milestone for De Rustica but also a significant achievement for South African producers competing in an industry traditionally dominated by established Mediterranean producers.