A handcrafted burrata from Puglia Cheese in Somerset West has been crowned the 2026 South African Dairy Product of the Year at the SA Dairy Awards, held at Nederburg in Paarl on Thursday 23 April.
Made from 100% South African milk, the burrata triumphed among a record 1 227 entries from 81 producers, earning recognition from a panel of 130 judges over three days of competition.
Chief judge Graham Sutherland praised the winning product’s authenticity: “Having recently spent time working in Italy, it is especially rewarding to see a product like Puglia’s burrata recognised at this level. It captures the essence of la bella vita – a fresh pasta filata cheese with a delicate outer shell and rich, creamy interior.”
Puglia Cheese founders Davide and Ursula Ostini, who established the company in 2010 after moving from Italy, said the recognition reflects years of dedication to traditional cheesemaking techniques adapted for local conditions.
“We pioneered burrata production in South Africa from a desire to bring authentic, high-quality Italian cheese to the local market,” Davide said. “We are proud to produce a product that stands alongside the best.”
A burrata is a fresh mozzarella-style cheese filled with cream and shredded curds, known for its soft exterior and creamy centre, typically served at room temperature.
The SA Dairy Championships is Africa’s largest and longest-running dairy competition, with 122 products named SA champions this year.
