All industries must innovate and adapt to survive. Like much of agriculture, the international olive oil industry is constantly evolving, testing and refining new cultivars and clones to improve oil quality while adapting to changing farming practices and climate conditions.
In step with this global shift, De Rustica EVOO continues to lead from the front. The estate has embraced regenerative and sustainable agricultural techniques while actively evaluating and adopting new-generation cultivars developed internationally.
De Rustica Estate at the Forefront of Change
As part of this ongoing evolution, the industry has introduced a new benchmark competition to assess these innovative varieties — the NOVA Awards. Organised by leading institutions including the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the awards are widely supported by global olive oil producers and experts.
The inaugural NOVA Awards have now been announced, placing De Rustica EVOO firmly in the spotlight once again.
Favolosa Single Origin Crowned Overall Winner
The jury, which convened in Córdoba, awarded first prize to the Favolosa Single Origin — a standout De Rustica EVOO produced from the Favolosa cultivar.
According to the jury report, the winning oil is defined by “an intense fruitiness with aromatic notes reminiscent of green olive, green banana, green almond, basil, chamomile, green wheat and pine needles.”
On the palate, it offers “a smooth, sweet entry, with medium, well-balanced bitterness and pungency, followed by a herbal aftertaste with hints of green almond and endive, and an overall complex and highly persistent profile.
This accolade further cements De Rustica EVOO as a global leader in premium olive oil production.
Global Recognition for De Rustica EVOO
“De Rustica is delighted to accept the overall first prize at the 2026 NOVA Awards for our Favolosa cultivar EVOO,” says Rob Still of De Rustica Estate.
“This award is particularly gratifying as it recognises our commitment to innovation and our ongoing pursuit of exceptional quality. It once again reinforces De Rustica’s position at the very top of global olive oil excellence,” he continues.
A Continued Legacy of Excellence
This latest accolade further cements De Rustica EVOO as a global leader in premium olive oil production. By combining innovation, sustainability and a relentless focus on quality, De Rustica continues to set the standard – not only in South Africa, but on the world stage.
