A leading olive estate in De Rust, just outside Oudtshoorn, has earned major international recognition after scooping first prize at the inaugural 2026 NOVA Awards in Spain.
De Rustica Olive Estate was awarded top honours for its Estate Collection Favolosa extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), produced from a modern cultivar recognised for its quality, innovation and adaptability in contemporary olive farming.
The NOVA Awards, a newly established international competition, focus on excellence in olive cultivars developed since the 20th century.
The awards are organised by leading industry bodies including the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Agromillora and Mercacei, and aim to benchmark innovation and quality in next-generation olive oil production.
The judging panel, which convened in Córdoba, Spain, selected De Rustica’s Favolosa EVOO as the overall winner.
According to the jury, the oil stood out for its “intense fruitiness” and complex aromatic profile, with notes reminiscent of green olive, banana, almond, basil, chamomile and pine needles. On the palate, it was described as smooth and balanced, with a pleasant bitterness and a persistent herbal finish.
Rob Still of De Rustica said the recognition reflects the estate’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
“De Rustica is delighted to win the overall first prize at the 2026 NOVA Awards for our Favolosa cultivar EVOO. This recognition affirms our commitment to innovation and our ongoing pursuit of exceptional quality,” he said.
SA Olive CEO Wendy Petersen also praised the achievement, noting that South African extra virgin olive oils continue to gain international recognition.
“South African extra virgin olive oils continue to prove themselves among the best in the world.
Awards like this highlight not only the innovation of producers like De Rustica, but also the consistent quality, care and craftsmanship that define our local industry,” she said.
The win further strengthens De Rustica’s reputation as one of South Africa’s leading olive oil producers, with a consistent track record of international awards over the past decade.
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