Fine wines have been produced in South Africa's Western Cape province for centuries, but few know that the region is slowly making inroads into the global market for another exclusive liquid - olive oil.

Morgenster olive oil, produced by Morgenster Estate in Somerset West, was named the Southern Hemisphere New Season Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the Year in a competition between oils from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. It was also the first South African olive oil to receive the prestigious Orciolo d'Oro award.

"South African producers are going really big - it's going to be an exciting industry in a couple of years," said Paul Robinson, marketing and sales director for Willow Creek, another estate that has won an award for its olive oil.

(source: Southafrica.info / 27 July 2005)