Brenda Wilkinson is the Co-Owner and Marketing Manager of RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE, one of South Africa’s leading olive oil producers. Although her journey into the business world was unexpected, Brenda has successfully transformed RIO LARGO into a thriving and recognized brand, both locally and internationally. With a background in education and a passion for innovation, she has become a key figure in the South African olive oil industry. At EliteX, we are proud to have Brenda Wilkinson as part of the edition: Prominent Business Leaders in Africa, 2024.
Brenda Wilkinson | Co-Owner and Marketing Manager | RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE
Brenda’s business journey began in a rather unconventional way. After spending two decades in Central Africa, where her husband, Nick, worked in corporate agriculture and she was involved in teaching and entrepreneurial ventures, they decided to return to South Africa in 2010. Owning farms had always been part of their life, but purchasing RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE was a bold move into uncharted territory. Nick had previously studied olive farming, but living in a region rich with olive groves and vineyards was a new adventure for both of them. Despite their inexperience in the local area, they took a leap of faith. Nick’s expertise in agriculture helped him produce a high-quality olive oil blend that, in their first year, won a double gold at the South African Olive Awards. Although the oil was remarkable, nobody knew about it.
That’s where Brenda’s marketing journey began. Armed with a basket of samples and no formal marketing experience, Brenda set off to introduce their olive oil to chefs in Cape Town’s finest hotels. Using her skills as a teacher, she confidently pitched their product, and soon enough, top hotels and restaurants were featuring RIO LARGO olive oil, propelling the business to success. Brenda never imagined herself in business, having initially pursued a career in teaching. However, her time in Central Africa opened doors to entrepreneurial opportunities. From building houses and designing furniture to starting small ventures, Brenda developed a knack for business. Under Nick’s guidance, she learned essential business principles, such as budgeting and making the most of limited resources. Her early experiences taught her the importance of networking, consistency, and making every moment count. These lessons became invaluable as she and Nick built the RIO LARGO brand from the ground up.
“True success is about empowering others and building communities.”
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Brenda admits that her lack of industry knowledge at the start was both a blessing and a curse. She was unaware of the fierce competition and the difficulties that lay ahead. However, her willingness to dive into the unknown and lead with passion helped her navigate these obstacles. Brenda’s determination to understand the olive oil industry and her commitment to learning led to the business’s continued growth. Over time, she became an expert in the field, driven by a desire to ensure consumers had access to high-quality, authentic olive oil. A pivotal moment in Brenda’s business journey came when she read The Sublime and Fraudulent World of Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Tom Mueller. The book opened her eyes to the widespread issue of poor-quality olive oil being sold under false pretenses. This revelation fueled her determination to educate consumers and ensure RIO LARGO stood out as a trustworthy and premium brand.
At the same time, a close friend encouraged Brenda to take the business to international trade shows. Despite her initial hesitation, this step into global markets transformed RIO LARGO’s reach. The brand now exports to over a dozen countries, gaining international recognition for its quality products. Innovation has played a crucial role in RIO LARGO’s success. From their unique bag-in-box packaging to their award-winning flavored oils, Brenda and Nick have continually pushed boundaries in the olive oil industry. While bag-in-box packaging was initially seen as unsuitable for premium products, RIO LARGO recognized its potential for keeping olive oil fresh. This innovation has now become a signature for the brand. Brenda and Nick’s constant exploration of new ideas and product offerings has helped them stay competitive on the global stage. Their passion for innovation keeps their business exciting and relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
“Africa’s potential is limitless—we must believe in our ability to shape the future.”
Sustainability is at the core of RIO LARGO’s operations. Nick’s agricultural expertise has ensured that the estate is managed with care for the environment. By minimizing chemical usage, recycling pruned branches into wood chips, and creating nutrient-rich compost from the olive pomace, RIO LARGO has cultivated a flourishing ecosystem on their farm. Birds and small wildlife have returned to the area, a testament to their eco-friendly practices. This dedication to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the quality of their olive oil, ensuring that RIO LARGO continues to produce premium, authentic products. Brenda believes in creating a supportive and fulfilling work environment for her team. Many of their employees have been with them since 2010, a reflection of the strong relationships they’ve built. One notable example is Sam, an ex-teacher who managed their table olive operation. After leaving for a few years, Sam returned, determined to rejoin the team. Her loyalty and dedication highlight the positive work culture Brenda and Nick have cultivated at RIO LARGO.
As a business leader, Brenda has faced her fair share of difficult decisions. Her driven personality, as an Aries, often pushes her to set high expectations for herself and her team. However, she always leads by example, never hesitating to take on any task, whether it’s cleaning or delivering products to clients. One of the toughest lessons Brenda has learned is dealing with competitors. Early on, their aggressive tactics hurt her deeply, but Nick’s advice to always act with integrity helped her rise above the challenges. Today, many of those competitors are no longer in business, a testament to the power of doing the right thing. Brenda’s involvement in RIO LARGO began at a time when her daughters were off at university, allowing her to dedicate herself fully to the business. She and Nick make an excellent team, supporting each other when the workload becomes overwhelming. While the demands of running a business can be exhausting, Brenda’s passion for RIO LARGO keeps her motivated. The shared experiences with other entrepreneurs in similar situations also provide a sense of camaraderie and support.
Brenda’s advice for aspiring business leaders in Africa is simple: take action. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—start where you are, be consistent, and remain true to yourself. Africa is a continent full of opportunities, but it also presents unique challenges, such as infrastructure issues and economic fluctuations. However, these obstacles only make the successes more rewarding. Brenda is a firm believer in Africa’s potential. With the world increasingly focusing on the continent, there is a chance for African businesses to shine and showcase their innovation and talent on the global stage. While Brenda doesn’t seek to leave a grand legacy, she hopes her journey has inspired others. Her background as a teacher has always made her enjoy guiding and supporting others, and Nick’s integrity and intelligence have been crucial to their success. Brenda believes that Africa is on the verge of becoming a significant player in the global economy, and she is excited to see how African businesses will continue to grow and thrive in the coming years.
In the end, Brenda Wilkinson’s story is one of passion, resilience, and innovation. Through her leadership at RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE, she has not only built a successful business but also contributed to the growing reputation of African businesses on the global stage.
“Resilience, passion, and courage can open unimaginable doors.”
