Great excitement surrounds the export of South African olive oil to the US market as RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE marks a significant milestone.
On Monday, July 22nd, 2024, RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE, in collaboration with USAID and Cargo Networking, celebrated the send-off of a first order to a new international client, MY GLOBAL TABLE in the United States.
The event, which was held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, was graced by esteemed guests, including Brenda Wilkinson, owner of RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE, Premier of the Western Cape of South Africa; Alan Winde, Phoebe Sullivan; the Acting USAID Representative of the U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Debbie Hall; of USAID Africa Trade and Investment Southern Africa Buy-In Activity, Melonie Grunewald from Wesgro, Terry Gale from Exporters Club Western Cape, Pam Wainwright of Cargo Networking and Wendy Peterson from the SA Olive Association.
Premier Alan Winde highlighted the significance of the occasion on his social media, stating, “I have always emphasised the importance of the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA). This success is AGOA in action! Long may it continue.”
From left to right: Debbie Hall, Terry Gale, Melonie Grunewald, Phoebe Sullivan, Premier Alan Winde, Brenda Wilkinson, and Pamela Wainwright
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister of SA, Parks Tau, is currently in Washington to attend the annual AGOA Forum which, runs from Wednesday, 24 July to Friday, 26 July in Washington, USA.
This venture is not RIO LARGO’s first foray into the American market. The estate has been attending trade shows in the USA for the past eight years, but this new deal, made possible through robust partnerships, marks a significant step forward. Years of anticipation and perseverance culminated in a deal with MY GLOBAL TABLE at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York in June 2024. This remarkable three-day event in New York, along with the support of the Women in Olive Oil global network, has significantly raised the profile of RIO LARGO’s premium product in the American market.
Under the MY GLOBAL TABLE contract, three companies have signed with RIO LARGO, and the deal was finalised within two weeks. The shipment is set to leave this week on July 26.
The celebration continued at Stir Crazy, with catering by the Super Yacht Culinary Academy in the V&A Waterfront, organised by Brett Nussey, a longstanding affiliate of nearly 30 years.
This day was not only about exporting olive oil but also about celebrating the partnerships and collaborations that have enriched the industry. It was a testament to the power of teamwork and shared success.
Special thanks go to the dedicated RIO LARGO team, including owner and Master Miller Nick Wilkinson and his assistant Jonathan Prins, who ensured that all products for this order were meticulously labelled and packed. Jonathan’s hard work, hand labelling 1800 bottles for one order and 960 for another, exemplifies the dedication and craftsmanship behind RIO LARGO’s success.
Shipment ready to leave RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE. From left to right: The Cargo Networking driver and Jonathan Prins
As RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE embarks on this new chapter, we anticipate continued success and fruitful collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, supporters, and dedicated team members whose efforts have made this achievement possible.
Here’s to reaching new milestones, forging stronger partnerships, and sharing our exceptional extra virgin olive oil with the world.
We look forward to a prosperous future and the journey ahead!
