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De Rustica Olive Estate, situated in the Klein Karoo near De Rust, has marked a historic milestone for South Africa by becoming the first local producer to win first prize at the International Olive Council’s (IOC) Mario Solinas Quality Awards for the Southern Hemisphere. This achievement has significantly elevated the profile of the nation's olive oil industry on the global stage.
As reported by BusinessTech, the estate’s Coratina extra virgin olive oil clinched the top spot in the small-scale producer category, an advancement from its second-place achievement in the same category in 2025. The International Olive Council confirmed that a total of 24 oils were submitted for the 2026 competition, with eight extra virgin olive oils from South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay receiving official recognition. An international jury of eight expert tasters conducted the assessments.
The rigorous judging process scrutinized the oils based on aroma, taste, complexity, harmony, and persistence, with the awards specifically highlighting products that exhibit exceptional quality and sensory characteristics. Eleanor Stoker, the Chief Executive of De Rustica, stated that this success underscores the vast potential of South African producers, noting that the local industry possesses the ideal climate, technical skill, and ambition to compete at the highest levels.
Founded in 2006 by mining entrepreneur Rob Still, De Rustica began its journey into extra virgin olive oil production in 2012. It has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed producer, with a history of accolades including top honors at the EVOOLEUM international competition. In 2023, the SA Olive Association highlighted that the estate’s Coratina oil was named the EVOOLEUM Absolute Best.
This latest award arrives as South Africa’s olive sector continues its rapid expansion, with local farming growing by approximately 20% annually. While the majority of the country's production is currently consumed by the domestic market, the IOC award represents a significant breakthrough for South African producers operating in an industry traditionally dominated by established Mediterranean players.
Source: African Insider