This cheese has been named South Africa’s Dairy Product of the Year
This cheese has been named South Africa’s Dairy Product of the Year
Woolworths Mature Gouda 10 months cheese, crafted by Lactalis South Africa, has claimed the prestigious Dairy Product of the Year award.
This year’s event was the 191st edition of what is the biggest and oldest dairy competition in Africa.
“We are excited that the top dairy award has gone to team Lactalis South Africa for an incredible sixth time in the past eight years,” said Herman Janse van Rensburg, general manager for Lactalis South Africa.
“This is an incredible achievement.”
The 2024 South African Dairy Awards featured a record-breaking 1 029 dairy products from 78 producers. This included 12 first-time entrants, that all vied for votes from 82 judges representing 52 companies.
The competition
From this high number of entries, 110 products were were chosen as SA Champions, showcasing excellence in their respective categories.
“The Woolworths 10-month Mature Gouda [which sells for R279.99/ kg] has established a legacy for exceptional quality over a period of time,” said chief judge and dairy expert Graham Sutherland.
“What makes it so unique is the combination of taste and texture, which produces a flavourful and satisfying tasting experience.”
“With this product [the producer] has discovered an extremely potent winning formula.”
Other awards for dairy excellence
Additionally, 30 products at the Awards earned the Qualité mark of excellence – recognised as the only mark of excellence in the local dairy landscape.
These were the producers that scopped most of the Qualité accolades:
Fairview – six awards
Fair Cape Dairies – five awards
Belnori Boutique Cheesery – four awards
Lactalis South Africa – three awards
Fairfield, Lancewood, and Polar Ice Cream Company – two awards
Agri-Expo have been hosting the event since 1834. General manager of Agri-Expo, Breyton Milford, said the championships shine a spotlight on the significant contribution the dairy sector makes to the South African economy.
“This year’s record number of entries and excellent results testify to an innovative industry with healthy competition between bigger manufacturers and smaller entrepreneurs,” said Milford.
The event also introduced the inaugural Hollard Game Changer Award, honouring Clement October, head cheesemaker at Klein River Cheese, for his outstanding contributions to the industry. This accolade, that came with a cash prize of R50 000, recognises young talents shaping the dairy sector’s future.