Hard work and dedication are the cornerstone of the De Rustica Estate’s successes over the years. Chairperson Rob Still said being recognised as the top Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) producer out of 100 entrants across the globe, is remarkable and a boost to do more in the year ahead.
Still said the award is encouraging on its own for everyone at the estate and it is going to hype up the morale despite many challenges they have encountered.
To be part of a winning team
De Rustica Estate took part in the global EVOOLEUM Awards in January which recognises the world’s top olive oil products.
“It is definitely a good start for us. We are going into production in two months’ time so we’re taking the energy we got from this award to the next level.
“We started seventeen years ago and to suddenly win the best in world award is a tremendous recognition. It shows the work that everybody has done, and the fact that what we are doing is correct as well as that our product is up there at the top,” he said.
De Rustica is situated at De Rust in the Western Cape. Still added that everyone on the farm had gotten a shirt and a cap saying they are the best in the world because they were part of ensuring they make it to the top.
“Our biggest challenge is climate change because that is the big thing for us. We used to get about twelve weeks of snow on the mountains around the farm, now it is only two weeks and olives need cold weather to rest and mature. So, every year we worry about that.
“What we have done is to taste our cultivators and pick up types of trees that can withstand more heat. We are lucky we got an estate in the mountain that does not get too much heat, but this climate change is not for sissies. I’m afraid it needs innovative ideas,” he explained.
The show goes on
Still said just like any other industry, the olive oil industry has good and bad years and they are hoping the 2024 season is going to be good for them to continue doing what they do best.
“What we would like to emphasise is that first of all our success is South Africa’s success. What we are really proud of is that we have done well, and that means every single South African olive oil estate can do as well because we do have the good climate and good circumstances.
“We, as the South African olive oil people, must know that we are able to compete with the very best in the world. Secondly, we must preach a message that we need to work together so we are able to sell and promote our olive oil collectively to the world as a very good olive oil, not just as an ordinary olive oil.”
Still said the world recognise South Africa and it is up to the local producers to join hands and motivate one another and ensure that they continue competing with the best.
De Rustica was also named as one of the top 10 olive oil producers in Mzansi during the 2023 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards.
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