Press Release January 2007

Morgenster's Liquid Gold continues to Shine

At the recent L'Extravergine awards ceremony held at the Exedra Hotel in Rome, Morgenster was presented with the 'Best Oil Mill of the Year,' award - the highest possible accolade to be received by any olive oil producer. However, the excitement did not end there, Morgenster went on to successfully win the award for 'Best Blended Olive Oil in the World' for the second year running!  

Not only is this the first time a South African producer has achieved an award of this excellence , but the first time a South African producer has received this coveted award for  two consecutive years.

L'Extravergine, the prestigious yearly publication widely regarded as the definitive international guide to olive oils, was created by an Italian guild to identify and celebrate the world's finest olive oil producers. Edited by world authority and master taster, Marco Oreggia, the publication is the last word on international trends and standards. Selection to the Guide as one of the foremost 15 producers of extra virgin olive oil is therefore a much sought-after accolade.

This year, over 3000 olive oils from 27 countries were assessed, with less than a quarter of these gaining admittance to the Guide. Italian olive oils once again featured strongly, with unexpected competition from a number of Spanish producers. Given the traditional European dominance of the industry, Morgenster's achievement is all the more remarkable.

Giulio Bertrand, owner of Morgenster was delighted, and enthused: "Our strict philosophy of quality without compromise is certainly paying handsome dividends, and is showing the world that South Africa and specifically the Western Cape has an ideal climate for the production of quality extra virgin olive oil and olive products."

This recognition follows two other leading international awards which Morgenster  received earlier this year - a gold medal at the LA County Fair ( for the 3rd time ), and first prize in the Intense Fruity category of the renowned L'Orciolo d'Oro Competition - the 8th consecutive year that Morgenster has won a top award at this competition.

Morgenster Olive Oils are gently extracted in the manner of natural, extra virgin oils. Unfiltered, and containing no additives or preservatives, Morgenster lives the traditional culture that stretches back thousands of years. From the warm climates of the Mediterranean to the sunny fields of the Western Cape, the art of the olive has a new lease on life - Morgenster.

The Morgenster Product Range is available at selected Retail stores - Delicatessens, Pick 'n Pay, Spar and Checkers stores in the Western Cape, greater Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, the Eastern Cape, Natal and the Lowveld. Wholesale outlets include Caterix (Western Cape), La Marina Foods and Kwikcater (Gauteng) and Dirt Rd Liquor Distributors (Lowveld). A list of Agents and Representatives is available on the website.

...back