At Morgenster Estate, Kyle (pronounced Kylie), the farm dog, has become an integral part of the team. Known for her daily walks through the olive groves, Kyle keeps a watchful eye on the farm, ensuring that everything is in order as the olives grow. Her presence is just one of the unique and charming aspects of the estate, where every detail, big and small, plays a role in Morgenster’s dedication to producing world-class Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
The story of Morgenster Estate began with Giulio Bertrand, who founded the farm after moving to South Africa in the early ‘90s. Missing the Italian olive oil of his childhood, Giulio saw an opportunity to work with South Africa’s ideal Mediterranean-like climate and develop a unique style of EVOO. In 1994, he planted 42 hectares of olive trees, and by 1998, Morgenster EVOO was ready for market. As a multi-award-winning producer, Morgenster has earned a spot among the Absa Top 10 winners for 2024, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.
Morgenster’s groves are home to 17 distinct Italian olive cultivars, each contributing to the rich and complex flavour profile of their EVOOs. Keen on innovation, the estate uses the state-of-the-art Pieralisi press for cold extraction, ensuring that each drop of oil preserves the true essence of the olives while maintaining the highest quality and flavour.
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Central to Morgenster’s ongoing success is its loyal team. Forming an integral part of the Olive Factory Team is Martha Smit, who has been with the estate since 1999, and Olive Production Manager, Maggie Davids, who quickly rose through the ranks, represent the passion and commitment that has made Morgenster a globally acknowledged brand. Regular training and development processes on the farm empowers the team to uphold the highest standards of excellence.
Morgenster is not just a farm; it is a community. Every year, the team gathers for the “Pomegranate Ceremony,” which is a cherished tradition marking the start of the harvest season and bringing good fortune. At the close of the season, everyone – including Kyle, the farm dog, at Morgenster celebrates with a festive braai to thank everyone for their dedication and hard work. This strong sense of unity and teamwork is at the heart of Morgenster’s tremendous success.
Morgenster Estate remains proudly within the Bertrand family, with Federica Bertrand continuing her father Giulio Bertrand’s legacy of excellence. Following in his footsteps, Federica is dedicated to upholding the vision of producing exceptional EVOO, ensuring that Morgenster not only stays at the forefront of South Africa’s olive oil industry but also strengthens the family tradition of quality and innovation. With their recent rebranding, Morgenster is poised for continued success, combining the wisdom of the past with a forward-thinking approach to meet the growing global demand for premium olive oil.
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