Ubuntu Triumphs After Challenging Harvest

Ubuntu from South Africa has won a Silver Award at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the world's largest olive oil quality contest.

This win is for all the unemployed youth and those who desires to follow their dreams. We have and we’ve just begun.

Loyiso Manga, owner

South Africa's first black-owned olive oil brand earned its debut World Competition award for a delicate blend.

"I am excited and proud, and I hope this will inspire all those who dare to dream, especially my brothers and sisters in Africa," said owner Loyiso Manga. "This is a testament that extra virgin olive oil from South Africa is top-tier and deserves the respect it’s worth."

"This win is for all the unemployed youth and those who desire to follow their dreams. We have, and we’ve just begun," he added.

The win caps off a challenging year for Ubuntu, which struggled to raise money to stay solvent and aspired to become more vertically integrated.

"We were out of business for close to nine months due to shortage and funding," Manga said. "At the center of challenges is access to funding; my mentor Adrian Vermooten was kind enough to provide funds to keep our dream alive."

"We still endeavor to own our olive-producing farm and will work towards raising capital so that we can own the entire value chain," he added.

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is the world's preeminent olive oil quality contest. Its annual list of award winners is the authoritative guide to the world's best olive oils and the dedicated producers who craft them.

The complete list of winners can be viewed in the Official Guide to the World's Best Olive Oils.