SA Olive Awards 2026 names South Africa’s top EVOOs

Source: Supplied

The annual competition brings together South African olive oil producers competing for gold, silver and bronze medals, with entries assessed through blind sensory evaluation.

This year’s judging panel was led by international olive oil experts Marcelo Scofano from Brazil and Dr Müge Nebioğlu from Türkiye, alongside an experienced South African judging team.

The judging evaluated the sensory characteristics of each EVOO, including positive attributes, balance and complexity, as well as characteristics that could affect its classification.

The 2026 winners are:

Source: Supplied | Agri Worker of the Year Award Winner: Denise Bergman

Sector awards

The awards also recognised contributions beyond the EVOO competition, with Denise Bergman from Het Vlock Casteel named the 2026 Agri Worker of the Year.

The award recognises an individual whose expertise, dedication and work contribute to South Africa’s olive sector.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to John Scrimgeour for his 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 chairman of SA Olive from 2002 to 2005. He has been a member of the SA Olive Technical Committee since 1996 and is an honorary member of SA Olive. He continues to share his knowledge and experience with established and emerging farmers.

Source: Supplied | Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: John Scrimgeour (Middle) | Wendy Petersen: CEO of SA Olive (left) and Richard Allen: Chairman of SA Olive (right)

Producer support

SA Olive CEO Wendy Petersen said the awards recognise both the quality of South African EVOOs and the producers behind them. "The SA Olive Awards not only celebrate exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oils of course, but they also 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.

"The fact that we can celebrate these achievements is due in large part to the invaluable support of our sponsors. To all our valued sponsors, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt 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.”