Countdown begins for 2026 SA Olive Awards in September

The 2026 SA Olive Awards take place on 15 September 2026 at the Grande Roche in Paarl, where South Africa’s leading olive oil producers, industry stakeholders and olive oil enthusiasts come together to celebrate the country’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs).

With judging now complete, the scores have been recorded, and the results remain firmly under wraps. From 17 to 21 August, all entered EVOOs were assessed by a panel of leading local and international olive oil experts, whose combined and extensive experience in olive oil tasting, production and technical analysis makes this a highly acclaimed EVOO competition.

EVOOs with exceptional quality

Wendy Petersen, CEO of SA Olive, said there was always a wonderful sense of anticipation around the SA Olive Awards.

“Our producers put enormous care into every stage of production, and our expert judging panel plays an important role in ensuring that the highest standards are upheld.

“We are proud to attract such experienced local and international judges, who provide a valuable global perspective and help us demonstrate that South African EVOOs can compete confidently on the world stage. We look forward to celebrating our producers and their achievements,” she said.

The 2026 judging panel was led by internationally recognised olive oil experts Marcelo Scofano from Brazil and Dr Müge Nebioğlu from Türkiye, who were joined by a highly experienced South African judging team.

Marcelo Scofano said participating as a panel leader at the SA Olive Awards has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as an international taster.

“Not only because of the wonderful organisation, but also because of the exceptional quality of the South African EVOOs. The standard of the oils is impressive, and they can certainly compete with the best EVOOs in the world. It was a privilege to be part of the judging panel and to experience the quality South African producers are achieving,” Scofano said.

Following the SA Olive Awards, all gold-winning EVOOs will advance to the final round of judging for the prestigious Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, when South Africa’s ten finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils will be selected.

Meet the international judges

Marcelo Scofano is one of South America’s leading authorities on EVOOs, with more than 15 years of experience as a sensory analyst, lecturer, consultant and researcher.

Scofano has served as a judge at many of the world’s most prestigious international olive oil competitions across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Israel, Japan, Morocco, Tunisia, Argentina, Peru and Chile.

Another judge, Dr Müge Nebioğlu, is a highly respected food engineer and olive oil specialist from Türkiye, holding a PhD in oils and fats technology.

She is a master researcher at the Central Research Institute of Food and Feed Control, where she leads research into edible oils and fats, oversees laboratory operations and organoleptic evaluation, and directs national and international research projects.

An accredited olive oil tasting expert and trainer, she has made a significant contribution to advancing quality standards through research, education and consultancy, working with government, industry, Michelin-starred chefs and premium producers.

Nebioğlu has served as a judge at many of the world’s leading competitions, including events in Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Morocco, South Africa, the Netherlands and Türkiye.