Mardouw Olive Estate Shatters Records at #24 Worldwide
Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa – 25 February 2026
In an unprecedented milestone for South African agriculture, Mardouw Olive Estate has been ranked #24 in the 2025 EVOO World Rankings, becoming the highest-ranked South African producer ever. The achievement places South Africa at #12 globally among olive oil-producing nations, firmly positioning the country within the world’s premium extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) elite.
The accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering that South Africa produces approximately 1.6 million litres of olive oil annually—less than 1% of global production—while competing against Mediterranean giants such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, which together dominate roughly 95% of the world market. For a Southern Hemisphere producer to break into the Top 25 worldwide represents a significant shift in the traditional geography of olive oil excellence.
A 25-Year Vision Realised
“We had this dream 25 years ago to produce world-class Extra Virgin Olive Oil and show the world what South Africa can do,” said André and Marijke Verder, Founders and Owners of Mardouw Olive Estate. “This ranking proves that a consistent, quality-first approach can overcome any disadvantage of scale. We’re competing with centuries-old Mediterranean estates, and we’re winning.”
Their vision began in the fertile soils of the Western Cape, where climate, terroir, and careful cultivation combine to create ideal conditions for premium olive production. Over the years, Mardouw has invested heavily in orchard management, harvesting precision, and processing excellence—laying the foundation for today’s global recognition.
2025: A Record-Breaking Year
Mardouw’s global #24 ranking crowns an extraordinary year of international success. Throughout 2025, the estate achieved a remarkable sweep at prestigious competitions across Europe and beyond. Among its most celebrated accomplishments was its triumph in Rome, where it secured multiple gold awards and the distinguished Best International Award (Southern Hemisphere).
“This global #24 position is a testimony to our dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation,” said Gerbrand Nijman, CEO of Mardouw Olive Estate. “We own our olive press, which ensures complete control from tree to bottle. Our same-day pressing protocol preserves volatile aroma compounds and antioxidants—particularly polyphenols—that give our oil its superior technical integrity.”
This vertical integration, combined with immediate cold extraction after harvest, ensures maximum freshness and chemical stability—key performance indicators in international EVOO competitions where sensory profile, acidity levels, and polyphenol content are rigorously evaluated.
National Recognition and Government Support
During Mardouw’s official celebration function, Minister Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, expressed his pride in the estate’s achievement and highlighted its contribution to the growing export profile of South African agricultural products.
The recognition underscores the strategic importance of premium olive oil within South Africa’s high-value agricultural exports and reflects the broader ambition to diversify and elevate the country’s global agri-food reputation.
A Turning Point for South African Olive Oil
Mardouw’s historic ranking reflects a broader upward trajectory for South African EVOO producers. In 2025, several South African estates achieved top 10 placements globally, demonstrating that the country consistently outperforms its modest production volume on the international stage.
“This ranking puts South Africa on the map as a serious player in the premium EVOO market,” Nijman added. “We are proving that excellence is not defined by volume, but by dedication, innovation, and respect for the product.”
As global consumers increasingly seek traceability, sustainability, and superior sensory quality, South African producers are carving out a distinctive identity: boutique scale, technical precision, and uncompromising standards.
For Mardouw Olive Estate, the #24 global ranking represents the culmination of a 25-year journey and the beginning of a new chapter—one in which South African olive oil stands confidently among the world’s finest.
