Lactalis SA is top cheese for third year running

24 August 2022

A Mature Cheddar (18 months) Lactalis South Africa (LSA) makes for Woolworths is South Africa’s Dairy Product of the Year for 2022. This is the third year running a cheese made by LSA has been crowned as the Dairy Product of the Year. The 2022 award is also the fifth time in six years that a product made by Lactalis SA has claimed the coveted top prize at the annual dairy event, recognition of the consistent and outstanding quality of products manufactured by LSA. 

LSA is home to quality and trusted brands such as Président, Parmalat, Melrose, and Steri Stumpie, as well as Bonnita, PureJoy, Galbani, EasyGest, YumChums, and Aylesbury.

The Mature Cheddar is produced at LSA’s Bonnievale Plant in the Southern Cape’s Breede River Valley. An independent panel of senior judges selected the full-rounded Mature Cheddar as SA’s top dairy product for 2022. The savoury and fruity Mature Cheddar is creamy with a slightly crumbly and crunchy texture. It has been matured for a minimum of 18 months.

LSA also claimed an unrivalled five Qualité awards at this year’s Championships. The Qualité mark of excellence is only given to the crème de la crème of entries. LSA was awarded Qualités for its Président Mature Yellow Cheddar (6 months) and Président Matured Gouda (6 months), as well as the following cheeses produced for Woolworths: Salted Butter, Mature White Cheddar (6 months) and Mature Cheddar (18 months).

In addition LSA-products ranging from ice cream to cheese and flavoured butter claimed ten SA Champion accolades awarded to the winners in each separate Championship class.

Alban Damour, GM: Lactalis Southern Africa, says his team is delighted at having the quality of their products recognised with the main overall prize for the third year running. 

“Lactalis South Africa’s team has once again been credited for their expertise and passion and for their products that are on par with the best across the world and loved by South African consumers. 

“We are proud of our long-standing business partnership with Woolworths, a business that values quality as much as we do. Lactalis SA also appreciates the work Agri-Expo does to recognise and celebrate the local dairy industry.”

* Lactalis South Africa is part of the international Lactalis Group.