South Africa’s finest extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) took centre stage at the SA Olive Awards 2026, held at Grande Roche in Paarl on Tuesday (15 September), bringing together growers, producers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence, dedication and achievement in the local olive industry.
Producers from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek once again proved their pedigree, collecting an impressive haul of medals across all three award categories.
SA Olive CEO Wendy Petersen said: “The SA Olive Awards not only celebrate exceptional EVOOs but reflect our producers’ passion, expertise and commitment. Each year, we see South African producers raising the bar and proving that we are a world-class EVOO producing country.
“These achievements are possible thanks to the invaluable support of our sponsors. To all our valued sponsors, we extend our deepest thanks. Your generosity and confidence in our industry go beyond making events like this possible – you are helping to drive the growth, recognition and future of South Africa’s olive oil industry.”
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All the winners of the 2026 SA Olive Awards with representatives of SA Olive and the competition’s sponsors.
Excellence rewarded
Stellenbosch producer Tokara earned Gold for its Mission and Premium EVOOs, adding Silver for its Multi-Varietal, Woolworths and Frantoio offerings. Kleinood’s De Boerin EVOOl received a Silver award, as did Konstanz Farm’s Herstein Olive Oil.
Franschhoek producers were equally decorated. Babylonstoren took Gold for its Coratina and Blend oils, plus Silver for its Frantoio. Terre Paisible earned Gold for its Delicate oil and Silver for its Modérée and Aromatique styles. Lamara Two Rivers secured two Silver awards for its blended and cultivar-specific oils.
Morgenster Estate, nestled on the foothills of the Helderberg in Somerset West and a stalwart of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, claimed Gold across its Delicate, Medium and Don Carlo ranges.
The awards also recognised the people behind the sector. The Agri Worker of the Year Award honours an individual whose expertise, dedication and hard work make a meaningful difference to South Africa’s olive sector. Denise Bergman from Het Vlock Casteel was named the 2026 Agri Worker of the Year, in recognition of her exceptional work and the important role she plays.
Lifetime Achievement
A particularly significant moment was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to John Scrimgeour, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the South African olive industry over more than two decades.
Scrimgeour spent 24 years as farm manager at Buffet Olives and served as chairperson of SA Olive from 2002 to 2005. A member of the SA Olive Technical Committee since 1996 and an honorary member of SA Olive, he continues to share his knowledge with established and emerging farmers.
The 2026 SA Olive Awards are proudly supported by ACS, Berlin Packaging, Old Mutual, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Mori-Tem, Olive Solutions, The Olive Specialist, Absa, Pellenc South Africa, Wildeberg Wines, Agri Expo, Cape Herb & Spice and Agrimark.
With another outstanding year of entries, the awards reaffirms the quality and potential of South African EVOO, celebrating the producers and people who help advance and grow the industry.
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Dining and Cooking