Due to the Corona Virus Lockdown in our country, the 2020 SA Dairy Championships Award Ceremony was held virtually for the first time in the 187 year existence of the Championships. Lactalis SA’s Président Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese was named the 2020 South African Dairy Product of the Year, winning against 974 other brands from 74 manufacturers. A total of 23 brands received the Qualité mark of excellence of top achievement (see list below), and 107 were named SA Champion. Continue reading →
For the first time I was invited to assist in the judging of the 2016 SA Dairy Championships, 72 judges evaluating 895 dairy products entered by 85 producers, both record numbers. A total of 23 products received a Qualité Award, and one of these was named as the South African Dairy Product of the Year 2016, namely Dalewood Fromage Huguenot 12 months matured. Continue reading →
Last night KWV was crowned as the king of the wine industry for the fifth year running, winning 5 Double Gold and 9 Gold Awards for its wines, more than any other winemaker. Nederburg (2 Double Golds and 11 Gold Awards) and Spier (2 Double Golds and 8 Gold Awards) followed in second and third place, respectively, awarded at one of the highlights of the wine industry, a function attended by about 400 wine industry staff and media, with their partners. Kanonkop won the Best Performance by Entry title for 10 wines or fewer entered, while KWV won the title for more than 10 wines entered. A total of 57 Double Gold, 157 Gold, 473 Silver, and 662 Bronze medals was awarded. A mix of local and international judges evaluated the entries.
Not only were the wines with their winemakers and related staff celebrated, so too was the 25th anniversary of the Veritas Awards. The highlight of the evening for me was seeing how many women Continue reading →
The winner of the 2015 SA Dairy Championships is Marcel’s Frozen Yoghurt, which was named South African Dairy Product of the Year for its Woolworths Tropical Fruit Frozen Yoghurt.
Organisers of the Championships Agri-Expo said that it is the first time in the history of the dairy product competition that a frozen yoghurt has won the SA Dairy Championships, against a total of close to 900 dairy product entries received from 80 dairy producers, judged by 61 judges, including chefs and food writers. A total of 95 dairy products were named South African Champions, and Continue reading →