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<\/p>\n2018 is a year in which South African olive oil producers truly showed their mettle. In adverse drought conditions, which can easily lead to bitterness in oils, the judges on this year\u2019s SA Olive Awards tasting panel described the competing oils as having \u2018a wonderful array of aromas and flavours\u2019. This speaks of the industry\u2019s ability to adapt and innovate under challenging conditions.<\/p>\n
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A total of 93 extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) were entered into the 2018 competition \u2013 a slight increase over last year\u2019s 87 entries. The panel awarded 21 gold, 34 silver and 26 bronze medals, which made 87% of the competing oils medal worthy.<\/p>\n
According to the 2018 tasting panel leader, Sue Langstaff, \u201cthere were excellent oils this year. People have been saying conditions were very difficult, and some oils had minor issues, but generally most of them were in the silver category and then there were some very good gold oils\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Sue went on to say that South African extra virgin olive oils compare very well with old world oils from Italy, Greece and Spain, as well as with other new world oils from Chile, Argentina, Australia, Peru and New Zealand. She considers new world producers to be more willing to experiment with new ideas.<\/p>\n
Nick Wilkinson, Chairman of SA Olive, is very confident about the future of the industry\u00a0when reflecting on the positive comments by acclaimed international judges serving on this year\u2019s tasting panel.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He commented \u201cthat\u00a0despite the horrendous drought and challenging growing conditions our growers have once again produced world quality premium oils. Competitions like the SA Olive Awards and the ABSA Top 10 Awards not only shine a light on the skills of SA olive oil producers, they also encourage South African and international consumers to buy locally produced extra virgin olive oils.\u00a0The industry has shown itself to be forward thinking and innovative in all aspects of production. If Government triggers their development plan, which recognises the upside this industry has in job creation and import substitution,\u00a0we could play a positive role in addressing the very real problems facing our country.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Top Honours Go To…<\/h4>\n
The gold medallists in the delicate<\/strong> EVOO category are Rio Largo Olive Estate, Tokara, Diepsak Farm, and Olyfberg Vrugte.<\/p>\n
Gold in the medium <\/strong>EVOO category goes to Zoetigheyd Farm, L\u2019Ormarins, Namaqua Olives, Chaloner, De Rustica Estates, Lapithos Olive Growers, Mardouw Olive Estate, Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate, Oakhurst Olives and Serrado Olive Estate.<\/p>\n
The intense<\/strong> EVOO category gold winners are Marbrin Farm, Mardouw Olive Estate and Porterville Olives.<\/p>\n
Multiple gold winners are Zoetigheyd Farm (3), L\u2019Ormarins (2), Namaqua Olives (2) and Mardouw Olive Estate (2).<\/p>\n
The full lists of silver and bronze winners are available at saolive.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n
Leading up to the SA Olive Awards<\/h4>\n
The 2018 tasting panel had a veritable international flavour. Sue Langstaff, sensory specialist from California, led the panel for the second year in a row. Olive oil experts, Jos\u00e9 Mingo from Chile and Pablo Canamasas from Argentina, completed the international contingency. South Africa was represented by Reni Hildenbrand and Benedetta Lami \u2013 both regular faces on international judging panels \u2013 and SA Olive tasting panel members, Birgitta Hofmeyr and Hazel Henman.<\/p>\n
Oils were individually blind tasted and rated over a period of four days. Blue hued glasses, shaped to create the best sensory experience, were used in an environment that was temperature controlled, as well as devoid as possible of any interfering environmental factors.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
All participating oils were locally produced by SA Olive members.<\/p>\n
The top accolade in the SA Olive mentorship programme, the Mentorship Award, went to Theresa Slinger from Olyvenbosch. \u00a0Theresa\u2019s supervisor, Niel Botha praised Theresa\u2019s growth and feels confident to slot her into any senior position on the farm. \u201cShe is the type of person I will go to war with,\u201d he said. The SA Olive mentorship programme is in its eleventh year of developing and nurturing young talent in the olive industry.<\/p>\n
The ABSA Top 10 Awards is also around the corner and olive oil lovers will soon know what to ask for in their Christmas stockings.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Have a look at the amazing benefits of olive oil and some delicious recipes.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n