South Africa’s growing reputation as a producer of world-class extra virgin olive oils received another boost as Mardouw Olive Estate secured two Gold Awards and one Silver Award at the Amsterdam International Olive Oil Competition (IOOC), one of Europe’s respected olive oil competitions.
The Western Cape-based estate was awarded Gold for its Mardouw XXV Medium and Mardouw XXV Medium Limited Edition extra virgin olive oils, while its Mardouw XXV Intense received a Silver Award. The recognition adds to a remarkable series of international distinctions earned by the estate in recent years.
The latest success follows Mardouw’s historic achievement earlier this year when it was ranked #24 in the 2025 EVOO World Rankings, the highest position ever attained by a South African olive oil producer. The ranking placed South Africa among the world’s emerging premium olive oil nations, despite the country accounting for only a fraction of global production compared with traditional Mediterranean producers.
Speaking after the awards ceremony in Amsterdam, Mardouw CEO Gerbrand Nijman noted that the recognition supports the estate’s ambition to strengthen its standing among the world’s leading olive oil producers. He also highlighted the significance of receiving the awards alongside founders André and Marijke Verder, whose vision has guided the estate since its establishment more than two decades ago.
Located near Swellendam in the Western Cape, Mardouw Olive Estate covers approximately 1,000 hectares and is home to around 50,000 olive trees nestled at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Breede River Valley. Founded in 2002, the family-owned estate maintains full control over the production process, from cultivation and harvesting to pressing and bottling, a model that has contributed to its reputation for quality and consistency.
Over the past four years, Mardouw has become South Africa’s most awarded olive oil producer, earning recognition at major international competitions in Europe and beyond. Its continued success reflects the broader progress of South Africa’s olive oil industry, which is increasingly gaining attention for producing premium extra virgin olive oils capable of competing with some of the world’s most established producers.
Consumers in the Netherlands can find Mardouw’s award-winning oils at Gastrovino Mijn Hemel in Hilversum and VomFASS in Wassenaar. In Belgium, the products are available through Lourdon Delicatessen in Brasschaat and Rodenburg Home & Garden in Schoten.
