South African olive oil producer De Rustica Olive Estate has earned international recognition after winning first prize at the Nova Awards 2026 in Spain for its premium extra virgin olive oil.
Based near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, the estate received the top award for its Estate Collection Favolosa extra virgin olive oil, competing in a category that recognises modern olive cultivars developed since the 20th century. The medium sized agricultural enterprise that has grown into a commercial olive oil producer over the past two decades.
A standout on the global stage
The Nova Awards, organised by institutions including the Spanish National Research Council, Agromillora and Mercacei, place a strong emphasis on innovation in olive oil production.
An international panel of judges selected De Rustica’s Favolosa oil as the overall winner. The jury described the oil as “an intense fruitiness with notes of green olive, green banana, green almond, basil, chamomile, green wheat and pine needles.”
The oil was praised for “a smooth, sweet entry with balanced bitterness and pungency, and a complex, persistent herbal finish.”
Recognition for innovation and quality
Founder of De Rustica Olive Estate, Rob Still, said the award reflects the estate’s focus on quality and innovation.
“We are delighted to win the overall first prize at the 2026 Nova Awards for our Favolosa cultivar extra virgin olive oil. This recognition affirms our commitment to innovation and our ongoing pursuit of exceptional quality,” he said.
Still added that the estate focuses on producing distinctive oils through careful cultivar selection.
According to the SA Olive Association, the country produces between 1.5 and 2 million litres of olive oil annually, with production largely concentrated in the Western Cape due to suitable growing conditions.
The industry consists of more than 170 growers, many of them small and medium sized producers. Although the country remains a net importer, most locally produced oils are classified as extra virgin, supporting a strong reputation for quality.
Industry sees strong global potential
CEO of SA Olive, Wendy Petersen, said the award highlights the strength of local producers.
“South African extra virgin olive oils continue to prove themselves among the best in the world.” she said.
She added that innovation and research are key to the industry’s long term competitiveness.
“Research, development and innovation are important for the South African olive industry’s sustainability. It’s encouraging to see South Africa recognised at international competition focused on the future of olive oil,” Petersen said.
While countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece dominate global production, South African producers are increasingly competing in the premium segment.
“Winning on a global stage like this shows that South African producers can compete with the best in the world when it comes to premium olive oil,” Still said.
