Woolworths cheese named 2025 Product of the Year at South African Dairy Championships

SOUTH AFRICA – Woolworths Mascarpone with Fig & Pecan Nuts, crafted by RFG Foods, claimed the coveted 2025 Product of the Year title at the South African Dairy Championships, held in Cape Town. 

The event, organized by Agri-Expo, celebrated 192 years of dairy excellence, spotlighting the industry’s finest offerings after a record 1,110 entries were evaluated by over 100 expert judges. 

The winning mascarpone was praised for its creamy texture and innovative condiments, highlighting South Africa’s growing reputation for world-class dairy production.

The championships, rooted in an 1834 tradition established by the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society, showcased fierce competition across categories like butter, cheese, ice cream, and cottage cheese. 

 “We’re humbled by the industry’s trust, reflected in this year’s unprecedented entry numbers,” Agri-Expo’s general manager said.

He highlighted refinements to the judging process, including an updated yoghurt scorecard and an expanded panel, ensuring fairness and relevance. 

RFG Foods’ mascarpone victory was complemented by other Woolworths successes, such as Ayrshire Bocconcini and Oak Smoked Stanford, the latter crafted by Klein River Cheese. 

Klein River further impressed with Babylonstoren Cultured Butter infused with garlic and parsley, and a two-year-aged Babylonstoren Parmesan, showcasing their artisanal skill in both butter and extra-hard cheese categories. 

Their Gruberg Vintage, a brushed rind cheese aged 12 months, also earned top honors, reinforcing their reputation for quality.

Lactalis South Africa demonstrated versatility across its Bonnievale, Ladismith, Gqeberha, and Parow operations, securing wins for President White Cheddar aged six months and Woolworths Gouda Wedges. 

Their processed cheese products, like Melrose Spread Cheddar Tub and Parmalat Gouda-flavored slices, also shone, proving their strength in diverse markets. 

Fairview Cheese Company excelled in soft cheeses, with their Ripe & Ready Camembert, Cremeozola blue-veined cheese, and Chevin Black Pepper & Paprika for Woolworths taking firsts, alongside a mixed-milk Brie de Roche.

Lancewood stood out in cream and cottage cheese, earning accolades for their lactose-free Medium Fat Cream Cheese Plain, Full Fat Cream Cheese Plain, and Medium Fat Smooth Cottage Cheese with Chives. 

Their sour cream also claimed a top spot, focusing on consumer-friendly options. 

In frozen desserts, Polar Ice Cream Company dominated with their Madagascan Vanilla Dairy Ice Cream, Blueberry Cheesecake Flavored Ice Cream, and Salted Caramel Ice Cream, highlighting their mastery of indulgent treats.

According to the organizers, the Qualité Awards recognized consistent excellence, with Fair Cape Dairies leading, followed by Lactalis South Africa. 

Partners like IMCD, contributing roughly US$25,000 in sponsorship, were instrumental. IMCD’s Nicolett Schwarz said, “We’re proud to drive dairy innovation forward.” 

Reported by organizers, the awards remain valid for product packaging until June 2026, setting a high bar for next year’s competition.

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