“For years, SA Olive has had a beloved mascot named Ollie. Now, in a delightful turn of events, the association is proud to welcome a real-life Ollie as its newest ambassador.”
SA Olive is proud to announce the appointment of acclaimed chef Ollie Swart as its new brand ambassador for the next few months, marking the beginning of a partnership that celebrates authenticity, creativity, simplicity, quality and a shared passion for South Africa’s exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
Known for his honest, ingredient led approach to food, Chef Ollie is a strong advocate for cooking that celebrates freshness of flavour and respect for quality produce. This philosophy aligns closely with SA Olive’s mission to educate consumers and deepen appreciation for locally produced EVOO, a category that still requires greater public understanding despite its growing presence in South African kitchens.
While South Africa holds just 0.99% of the global olive oil market in 2024/2025, its EVOOs consistently compete with the world’s best, proof of the country’s ideal growing conditions, skilled producers and uncompromising quality standards.
Chef Ollie says: “In my kitchen, I consistently rely on a simple foundation of lemon, salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. When you taste the quality of South African EVOO, you will come to know that we are producing something truly special. Our EVOOs stand comfortably alongside the best in the world, and I am excited to help people better understand how to use EVOO every day, how to cherish quality, and why supporting local producers matters.”
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 of South African EVOO and the safeguards of SA Olive’s CTC (Commitment to Compliance) Scheme. Through his accessible cooking style and clear, practical advice, Swart aims to demystify EVOO for everyday consumers while reinforcing trust in local products and encouraging more informed purchasing decisions.
Wendy Petersen, CEO of SA Olive, says the appointment marks an important step forward for SA Olive’s consumer awareness efforts. “Raising awareness amongst consumers remains a critical priority for SA Olive, as many people are still understanding the value and versatility of EVOO. Chef Ollie’s natural, relatable approach to cooking makes EVOO accessible to everyone, from home cooks to food enthusiasts to health-conscious consumers. We are thrilled to welcome him as our ambassador and to work together in showcasing the excellence of our locally produced EVOO.”
The new ambassador content will roll out in the coming months, inviting consumers to cook and experiment with confidence, choose local, and embrace the quality and versatility of South African EVOO.
