945 dairy products from 83 producers that vied for the attention of the 84 judges ranging from food technologists to cheese retailers, and food bloggers to chefs. Only 18 were honoured with the Qualité mark of excellence and 105 were named SA Champion.

Two in a row
For the second year in a row, Parmalat's 10-month Mature Gouda made especially for Woolworths, was announced the South African Dairy Product of the Year for the second year in a row at the Agri-Expo Qualité Awards Gala Dinner.

“For a product to be chosen as Dairy Product of the Year in a competition of this nature is a long and difficult journey and the dream of every dairy technologist,” says chief judge and international dairy expert Kobus Mulder. “That the honour befalls this year's winner of the prestigious title for the second year in a row, is exceptional. Not only is it an extraordinary performance, but also a proof of sustained good manufacturing practices and quality control by the personnel of the manufacturer. Technically and gastronomically the Parmalat 10-months Mature Gouda is as close to perfection as a food product can come.”

“This is the third time in nine years we have won the Product of the Year award for one our cheeses, a clear indication of just how high the quality of our products is and how dedicated and diligent our teams are,” says Cathy Eve, Parmalat SA marketing executive. 

2018 Qualité Awards winners:

Parmalat SA (7):
Woolworths Matured Gouda 10 Months 
Woolworth Vintage Cheddar – White
Woolworths Matured Gouda 20 Months
President Matured Gouda 6 Months
UHT Low Fat Milk
Medium Fat Yoghurt - Choc Chip 
Medium Fat Yoghurt - Fruited – Strawberry

Belnori Boutique Cheesery (4)
Kabaka
Kalabash
Highvelder Classic
Tanglewood

Baris Cheese
Vliedermaus - Bloomy Rind with Vegetable Ash

Coega Dairy
Ritebrand UHT Low Fat Milk

Dalewood Fromage
Boland

Dutch Goat Farm
Goat's Gouda

Fair Cape Dairies
Full Cream Yoghurt - Vanilla Flavoured with Chocolate Chips

Ladismith Cheese Company
Round Gouda

Langbaken Karoo Cheese
Karoo Crumble

Johan Ludolf (Parmalat SA), Selwyn Claassen (Parmalat SA), Johan Ehlers (Agri-Expo CEO), Eugene Swartz (Parmalat GM). Image Supplied

185 years celebrated with a record number of entries
The SA Dairy Championships has been presented with great success by Agri-Expo since 1834. "The Championships has grown to ten categories this year with more than 100 classes for end products in the processing line of the industry," says Johan Ehlers, chief executive officer of Agri-Expo. 

"The increase in entries over the past few years emphasises the importance of this championship for individuals, small and medium enterprises, as well as national and international companies. This year's results reflect an innovative industry and healthy competition among larger manufacturers and smaller entrepreneurs, with a total of seven Qualité's awarded to Parmalat, four to Belnori Boutique Cheesery and a good division between the other winners. In addition, no less than 15 producers are newcomers to this year’s competition.”

For more information and full results visit SA Cheese.