Fairfield Dairy unveils new yogurt flavors for kids 

SOUTH AFRICA – Fairfield Dairy, a prominent dairy producer based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has launched a new range of flavored yogurts for younger consumers. 

The company announced it’s latest offering: blueberry, strawberry, and litchi smooth-flavored yogurts, designed specifically for children. 

This follows the introduction of two limited-edition flavors to its WoolworthsFood Double Cream yogurt range in November last year: Burfee-flavored yogurt and a Double Cream Chocolate and Mint variant. 

Fairfield invited customers to share sightings of the new products in stores via social media, sparking interest among local shoppers.

Fairfield’s factory inland of Durban has long been a key player in South Africa’s dairy industry. 

The company, which supplies house brands for major retailers like Spar, Woolworths Holdings, and Pick n Pay, produces a variety of items, including yogurt, low-fat flavored milk, and fruit juices. 

According to a company statement, its focus remains on delivering high-quality dairy products tailored to consumer demand. 

The new yogurt range reflects Fairfield’s ongoing efforts to expand its offerings and appeal to diverse market segments.

A report by competition officials in South Africa highlights a pivotal moment in Fairfield’s history.

In 2018, Woodlands Dairy, one of the country’s largest UHT milk producers under its First Choice brand, signed a substantial deal with Fairfield Dairy. 

This agreement, initially announced as a merger, was structured as a phased acquisition by Woodlands’ parent company, GFI.

 “The merger was a strategic step to enhance our dairy offerings,” a Woodlands spokesperson said at the time. 

The process concluded in 2022 when Woodlands Group acquired 100% of Fairfield Dairy, integrating its operations fully into the larger conglomerate.

Fairfield’s journey has also caught the eye of investors. 

In 2017, Agri-Vie Fund I, a US$100-million investment fund, celebrated its first exit by selling its stake in Fairfield Dairy to a private investment trust linked to the Lang family, who founded the dairy. Agri-Vie’s initial US$4 million investment in 2009 paid off handsomely. 

“The return exceeded our expectations,” said Herman Marais, Agri-Vie’s co-founder and managing partner, declining to disclose the exact sale figure but noting it surpassed the fund’s target of 2.5 to 3 times the invested capital.

While Fairfield maintains a modest range of branded products, its expertise lies in crafting house-brand dairy items for top retailers. 

Last year, the company was honored with the prestigious Qualité Mark of Excellence, a symbol of superior quality in the industry during the 191st South African Dairy Championships.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE