Woodlands Dairy and its flagship brand, First Choice, achieved outstanding success at the 193rd South African Dairy Championships, securing a prestigious Qualité Mark of Excellence – South Africa’s highest accolade for dairy quality – alongside multiple SA Champion titles. Established in 2001 by Agri-Expo, the Qualité mark is awarded exclusively to products that meet stringent international standards, distinguishing them as leaders within the dairy industry.
Judging for the 2026 championships took place from 25 to 27 March at Eensgezind near Durbanville, marking a record-breaking year for the competition. A total of 1 227 dairy products from 81 producers were evaluated by 130 expert judges across approximately 150 classes, making this the largest dairy judging event in the competition’s history.
Woodlands Dairy and First Choice received a Qualité Award for the First Choice High Protein Recovery Drink (chocolate flavour), while also securing SA Champion honours for First Choice Full Cream UHT Milk and First Choice Pouring Cream. In addition, together with Fairfield Dairy, the Group achieved SA Champion status for Medium Fat Maas and second place for the Low-Fat Flavoured Dairy Snack (Peach & Apricot).
Products developed for retail partners were also recognised. SPAR achieved third place for its Baby Gouda Black Pepper and Mild Cheddar, while Woolworths placed second in the flavoured milk category with its Low-Fat Strawberry Flavoured Milk and secured third place for its Pouring Cream.
Fairfield Dairy delivered a particularly strong performance, reinforcing the depth of manufacturing excellence within the Woodlands Dairy Group and its ability to consistently deliver high-quality products across a diverse portfolio.
SPAR products excelled across multiple categories, with several earning SA Champion titles, including Kefir (Mango, Orange, Lemon, Chilli & Turmeric), Fat-Free Fruit Yoghurt (Peach & Apricot), Double Cream Yoghurt (Flavoured) in Granadilla Cheesecake, and Double Cream Yoghurt with Condiments (Chocolate). Additional second-place finishes were awarded across a range of cottage cheese and yoghurt categories, while third-place honours included smooth cottage cheese variants, flavoured milk (Bubble Gum, medium fat), and full cream flavoured yoghurt (Banana).
Woolworths products were similarly recognised, with SA Champion titles awarded to Organic Fat-Free Smooth Cottage Cheese (plain) and Ayrshire Double Thick Cream. Further second-place awards included Low-Fat Chocolate Flavoured Milk, Full Cream Granadilla Kefir, Organic Fresh Full Cream Milk, Fat-Free Fruit Yoghurt (Peach & Apricot), and Organic Full Cream Plain Yoghurt.
Woolworths also secured multiple third-place finishes across categories, including organic and full cream cottage cheese variants, kefir, smoothies, and a range of yoghurt products, highlighting consistent quality across its dairy offering.
“Receiving this recognition is a direct reflection of the discipline and rigour our teams apply every day – from product formulation and quality assurance through to production and execution on the factory floor,” says Marisa Maccaferri, Marketing Executive for Woodlands Dairy and First Choice. “Being recognised across multiple categories confirms that our teams are not only innovating but consistently delivering at the highest standard. It reinforces our belief that excellence is achieved through cross-functional collaboration and a shared commitment to doing the basics exceptionally well.
“Ultimately, maintaining excellent quality supports our ambition to be one of Africa’s most admired dairy companies, while contributing to sustainable growth and meaningful job creation,” she concludes.
The winners were announced at the South African Dairy Awards evening, held on 23 April 2026 at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl.
For more information, visit www.woodlandsdairy.co.za.