There’s something fitting about a story that comes full circle. In a charming twist, SA Olive has appointed chef Ollie Swart as its newest ambassador — a partnership that feels both natural and symbolic. For years, the organisation has had a beloved mascot named Ollie. Now, it has a real-life one too, bringing a shared passion for quality and authenticity to the role.
But this collaboration is about more than just a name — it reflects a shared commitment to simplicity, quality and a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
Celebrating Simplicity in a Complex Food World
At a time when food trends often lean toward the elaborate, Chef Ollie Swart’s approach is grounded in simplicity. His cooking centres on letting quality ingredients speak for themselves, with a strong focus on freshness and flavour.
“In my kitchen, I consistently rely on a simple foundation of lemon, salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil,” he says. “When you taste the quality of South African EVOO, you will come to know that we are producing something truly special.”
This philosophy aligns closely with SA Olive’s mission to educate consumers about EVOO. Despite its growing presence in South African kitchens, the category still requires greater public understanding — particularly when it comes to how to use it daily and how to recognise quality.
Small Market, World-Class Quality
South Africa holds just under 1% (0.99%) of the global olive oil market in 2024/2025, yet its EVOOs consistently compete with some of the best in the world. This is a reflection of the country’s ideal growing conditions, skilled producers and commitment to uncompromising quality standards.
The partnership between SA Olive and Chef Ollie aims to highlight this excellence while encouraging consumers to support local producers. By bringing a familiar and approachable voice to the conversation, the campaign reinforces the idea that local EVOO is not only competitive globally, but also accessible for everyday use.
From Kitchen to Consumer: Making EVOO Accessible
As ambassador, Chef Ollie Swart will collaborate with SA Olive on a range of educational initiatives, including a series of cooking videos focused on the quality and versatility of South African EVOO. Through practical demonstrations and clear guidance, he aims to demystify EVOO and show how it can be used confidently in everyday cooking.
He will also highlight SA Olive’s Commitment to Compliance (CTC) Scheme, which ensures that locally produced olive oil meets strict standards. This provides consumers with an added level of trust when making purchasing decisions.
Wendy Petersen, CEO of SA Olive, says raising awareness remains a critical priority. Chef Ollie’s relatable approach to cooking, she notes, makes EVOO accessible to everyone — from home cooks to food enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike.
A Taste of What’s to Come
The ambassador campaign will roll out over the coming months, inviting consumers to experiment in the kitchen, better understand EVOO and make more informed choices. At its core, the partnership encourages a simple message: choose quality, support local, and embrace the versatility of South African EVOO in everyday cooking.
