The olive grove, a booming crop in South Africa

South Africa's olive cultivation has seen significant growth, with the industry now covering over 3,600 hectares, primarily in the Western Cape province. The sector, which started its expansion around the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to Italian immigrant Fernando Costa, has recently experienced a surge, growing at a rate close to 20% annually. Despite the growth, South Africa's olive grove area represents only 0.09% of the global total. The industry is dominated by large landowners who control the entire value chain, from cultivation to marketing, alongside a smaller segment of independent producers. The majority of the olive groves are irrigated and use modern cultivation techniques, with the main varieties being Mission, Kalamata, Manzanilla, and Frantoio. The production is largely dedicated to olive oil, with a minor share allocated to table olives. Due to the industry's infancy and limited production, South Africa imports most of its olive oil, mainly from Spain and Italy. The olive oil market in South Africa is still in its infancy, with low per capita consumption and employment opportunities, but it holds potential for growth, especially considering the increasing demand for healthy fats and the expanding olive cultivation footprint.