As ambassador, chef Ollie Swart will now work with SA Olive on a series of educational initiatives. (Photo: Facebook/UCOOK)
For years the mascot of SA Olive has been known as Ollie, but now the industry body has welcomed a real, genuine Ollie as its latest ambassador.
SA Olive recently proudly announced that award-winning chef Ollie Swart will act as the face of the brand for the next few months.
This new partnership is a celebration of authenticity, creativity, quality and a shared passion for South Africa’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
Swart is widely known for his honest approach to food where the ingredients play the main role, and he is an ardent supporter of cuisine that prioritizes fresh flavors and respect for quality products.
Shared vision for quality
The philosophy of this renowned chef fits seamlessly into SA Olive’s mission to educate consumers and cultivate a deeper appreciation for locally produced olive oil. It is a category which, according to the organisation, still requires greater public understanding, despite the fact that it is increasingly commonly used in South African kitchens.
Although South Africa accounted for only 0.99% of the global olive oil market in the 2024-25 season, local products regularly compete with the world’s very best markets. This is proof of the country’s ideal growing conditions, skilled producers and unwavering quality standards.
Archive photo. (Photo: stevenpb/Pixabay)
Simplicity is the watchword
Swart believes that the best food is often created from the simplest elements.
“In my kitchen I constantly rely on a simple foundation of lemon, salt and extra virgin olive oil,” he says.
“When you taste the quality of South African extra virgin olive oil, you will realize that we are producing something truly special.
“Our olive oil stands comfortably alongside the best in the world, and I’m excited to help people better understand how to use it every day, how to cherish quality and why it matters to support local producers.”
Ollie Swart. (Foto: The Beau Guide)
Education and trust
As ambassador, Chef Ollie will now work with SA Olive on a series of educational initiatives. This includes, among other things, a series of cooking videos that will focus on the superior quality of local oil, as well as the safety net that SA Olive’s emphasis on compliance offers to consumers.
Through his accessible cooking style and practical advice, he hopes to make the use of olive oil more understandable for the average consumer. At the same time, he wants to strengthen trust in local products so that buyers can make more informed decisions when they stand in front of the shelves.
Important step for the industry
Wendy Petersen, the CEO of SA Olive, believes this appointment is a decisive step forward for the awareness campaigns of the organisation. She looks forward to the road ahead with the new ambassador.
Photo: SA Olive
“Raising awareness among consumers remains an important priority for SA Olive, as many people are still learning the value and versatility of extra virgin olive oil.
“Chef Ollie’s natural and compassionate approach to cooking makes olive oil accessible to everyone, from home cooks to foodies and health-conscious consumers.
“We are delighted to welcome him as our ambassador and to work together to showcase the excellence of our locally produced oil,” says Petersen.
The new content will be launched in the coming months to invite consumers to cook with confidence, buy local and enjoy the versatility of South African olive oil.