Brenda Wilkinson

What does your company do?

I am the co-owner of RIO LARGO Olive Estate, where we produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil on the banks of the Breede River in the Western Cape. Since 2010, our focus has been on extra virgin excellence; from the soil and the trees to the bottle. Every drop of our olive oil reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Over the years, RIO LARGO has won international awards across New York, Japan, Europe, and the UAE. But our journey didn’t stop with the product itself. We’ve always looked for ways to bring premium olive oil to the consumer with beauty, practicality, and purpose. We started with a unique cardboard decanter on tap, offering a fresh and elegant way to serve and store olive oil. Now, we've launched what we believe to be a world-first: a reusable olive oil decanter system designed for convenience, freshness, and sustainability. Our refill pouches preserve the oil’s integrity by protecting it from light, heat, and air, while the decanters are built for long-term reuse , eliminating the need for constant cleaning and replacing traditional containers like the Italian fusti. This innovation under my new company called NUVOPAK combines artistry, environmental consciousness, and everyday practicality. It’s a product made for modern consumers who care about health, design, and the planet and ... it’s proudly South African! I am very excited to launch this product as it really will take us into the future. Designed by me, at least a decade ago, it was difficult to get anyone to believe in the idea- now I am getting so many producers asking if they can invest in my business. It really is the way to share and store extra virgin olive oil. Not only is this a sustainable model but it really makes RIO LARGO more affordable , especially when prices continue to go up and UP and UP around us. The way to go... TRY IT-YOU'LL LOVE IT!

What is your biggest success?

What began as a personal health journey evolved into a passion for excellence. Together with my husband, we established a state-of-the-art processing plant and consistently produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil, recognized globally with accolades from New York, Italy, and Japan amongst others. Our success is rooted in innovation; from pioneering sustainable decanters, weaving South African art and culture into the designs and now a REUSABLE! But beyond the product, my greatest pride is our loyal team, most of whom have been with us since the start. Some have even left and returned to the fold! I feel I have helped create more than a business, I've built a brand with heart, soul, and authenticity. Staying true to our roots while reaching global markets has been my most meaningful achievement. And now with that REUSABLE packaging: the world really is my oyster! Taking South Africa to the world.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Whilst RIO LARGO has won prestigious awards globally, including in New York, Italy, and Japan, local acceptance has sometimes been difficult. Our achievements have been misconstrued or undervalued, but most often being copied by those that shouted the loudest! Another challenge has been educating consumers and wellness professionals about the health benefits and quality of our extra virgin olive oil, a niche still growing in South Africa. Additionally, innovating with new packaging, like our refillable decanters, required years of research and investment before the market was ready to embrace it. Despite these hurdles, persistence, passion, and commitment to quality have helped us break through barriers and establish RIO LARGO as a respected global brand, proof that perseverance pays off. Not a hurdle is sight as we take this new packaging global, I hope. Let’s embrace it.