The robust extra virgin olive oil from the Western Cape earned a Gold Award at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.
Olive Oil Times |
Western Cape, South Africa — Kielder South Africa has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the Premium Selection brand.
Premium Selection is an extra virgin olive oil of robust intensity. Marked by ripe olive character, the oil carries black pepper on the finish and a chicory-like edge, with bitter almond and arugula contributing to its structured, savory profile.
Kielder South Africa is part of Kielder Agro Group South Africa, which operates a 364-hectare property in the Western Cape focused on olive, cherry and white wine grape cultivation. Seven olive cultivars are grown for extra virgin olive oil production.
Across the farm, Kielder Agro Group South Africa has focused on practices intended to support long-term orchard performance and soil stewardship, including composting and mulching, organic pest control and soil health monitoring. The producer has also set its sights on expanding sales beyond the domestic market, with plans centered on increasing olive oil exports to Europe and North America and testing new, high-demand crops suited to a changing climate.
The 2026 NYIOOC Gold places Premium Selection among the year’s top-ranked extra virgin olive oils. The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, widely regarded as the world’s leading olive oil quality contest, is a trusted reference for consumers and industry professionals.