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SOUTH AFRICAN OLIVE INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE Relative to Europe, ours is a very young industry. Jan van Riebeeck planted the first two cultivated olive trees at the Cape on his farm Boschheuvel in 1661. However, the fruit of the olive tree was not exploited for another 200 years. In 1907 a farmer from Paarl received a gold medal for the 'finest olive oil produced in the British Empire' at the London Show. The olive industry then started to develop under the guidance of Italian immigrant, Ferdinando Costa, who imported and propagated numerous olive cultivars. Growth has since been exponential and today we have over 300 olive growers and producers of varying size and intensity. South African olive oils compare very favourably with the best in the world as demonstrated by many prestigious international awards received. In contrast to traditional olive oil consuming countries where per capita consumption of olive oil ranges between 12 - 24 L, the average South African consumes a mere 80ml (0.08 L) p.a. This highlights the tremendous opportunity for growth and expansion in this country. The total South African consumption is +-3.5 million litres, of which local production is currently less than 20%. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) constitutes more than 50% of imports. Local production is solely extra virgin at present. Local production of table olives is estimated at 3000 tonnes pa while 600 tonnes are imported annually (17%). The most widely planted cultivar is the Californian Mission which bears exceptionally well. Manzanilla, Leccino, Frantoio, Barouni, & Kalamata have been grown for many years. Newer cultivars are Coratina, Favalosa (FS 17), Nocellara, Arbequina and many other imported cultivars in minor plantings. South Africa has developed and just launched a novel table olive cultivar called Nandi. This olive can be processed green or black and displays good size with an excellent flesh to pit ratio. The South African olive industry is mainly concentrated in the Western Cape, with its typically Mediterranean climate. In addition groves are now being established in marginal areas throughout the country with varying degrees of success. 10% of the players are responsible for 90% of volume produced. There is a myriad of small growers and boutique style table olive and olive oil processors that add flavour and interest to the industry. Based on the rate at which new trees are being planted, olive farming is growing at a rate of at least 20% p.a., i.e. doubling in size every four to five years, which makes it arguably one of the fastest growing sub-sector in agriculture. The interests of the South African olive industry are represented by SA Olive, a voluntary non-profit association whose members are directly involved in the industry (i.e. growers, nurseries, table olive and olive oil processors). For more information on SA Olive and its activities. < Prev   Next >

 

 

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