Here are the ten best olive oils in the country. Do you have any of them in the cupboard? The 12th annual Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards was held this week at Mynhardt’s Kitchen at Cathedral Cellar in Paarl. South Africa’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) were celebrated on this day. The competition is now in its 12th year.
Here are the ten best olive oils in the country
The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards are widely regarded as the highlight of the olive oil industry in the country. It acknowledges the most exceptional producers and products in South Africa. The organisers of the awards follow the annual SA Olive Awards, where gold medal-winning EVOOs undergo a further round of meticulous blind tasting by an expert judging panel. It is from this elite group that the ten most outstanding EVOOs are chosen to receive the prestigious Absa Top 10 accolade.
2025 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Award Winners (in no particular order)
- Mardouw Investments ZA (Pty) Ltd – Mardouw Premium Delicate – Delicate
- De Rustica Estate – De Rustica Delicate – Delicate
- Lions Creek Estate (Pty) Ltd – Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium
- Morgenster Estate – Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium
- Willow Creek Products (Pty) Ltd – Estate Blend – Medium
- Tokara – Tokara Woolworths Estate EVOO – Medium
- Babylonstoren – Babylonstoren Coratina – Medium
- Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm – Picual – Medium
- Andanté Olives Porterville – Andanté Intenso – Intense
- Rio Largo Olive Estate – Rio Largo Premium – Intense
The best olive oils in the country
Meanwhile, the CEO of SA Olive, Wendy Petersen, says the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards remain the pinnacle of recognition for local olive producers. She says it’s a moment to celebrate the extraordinary talent, skill, and commitment that define this industry.
The CEO of SA Olive, Wendy Petersem, said, “Our producers continue to deliver world-class EVOOs that rival the best globally, and their pursuit of excellence is truly inspiring.”
A bespoke olive-inspired menu
At the same time, guests at the ceremony enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon hosted by Chef Mynhardt Joubert. His bespoke olive-inspired menu showcased the diversity, flavour, and versatility of South African olives and EVOOs.
“Each course paid tribute to the expertise of the producers with dishes such as black olive ‘roosterkoek’, roasted lamb with green olives, and olive oil ice-cream, each offering a sensory celebration.”
Each bottle tells a story of passion, hard work, and connection to the land
The Regional Segment Head at Absa Private Banking, Yolisa Mlungwana, says each bottle of locally produced EVOO tells a story of passion, hard work, and connection to the land. She says this sets a global benchmark for quality. She added that these awards celebrate excellence while supporting producers in building lasting relationships with retailers, distributors, and buyers.”
Regional Segment Head at Absa Private Banking, Yolisa Mlungwana, said: “After 12 years of partnership, our theme ‘Your Story Matters’ reflects the essence of the South African olive industry – one of resilience, craftsmanship, and pride.
