PAARL – A handcrafted burrata from Puglia Cheese in Somerset West has been named the 2026 South African Dairy Product of the Year at the SA Dairy Awards, held on Thursday 23 April at Nederburg in Paarl.
Made from 100% South African milk, the burrata stood out among a record 1 227 entries from 81 producers in this year’s SA Dairy Championships, the largest and longest-running dairy competition in Africa.
A panel of 130 judges assessed entries over three days. In total, 122 products were named SA Champions as class winners, while 36 products received the Qualité mark, the only official mark of excellence in the South African dairy industry.
Chief judge Graham Sutherland said the winning product reflects both technical skill and 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 is a true celebration of Italian cheesemaking tradition – a fresh pasta filata cheese with a delicate outer shell and rich, creamy interior that delivers both balance and indulgence. It captures the essence of la bella vita,” he said.
Burrata is a fresh mozzarella-style cheese filled with cream and shredded curds, known for its soft exterior and rich, creamy centre. It is typically served at room temperature.
Puglia Cheese founders Davide and Ursula Ostini said the recognition is a proud moment for the team.
“This award reflects years of dedication to quality and a deep respect for traditional cheesemaking techniques, adapted for local conditions. Established in 2010 after we moved from Italy, Puglia Cheese pioneered the production of burrata in South Africa, born from a desire to bring authentic, high-quality Italian cheese to the local market. We are proud to produce a product that stands alongside the best,” they said.
Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo, said the results reflect both innovation and resilience in the dairy sector.
“The record number of entries and consistently high standard of products point to a competitive and forward-moving industry, with both established producers and smaller players continuing to raise the bar,” he said.
Leading performers in this year’s Qualité Awards include Lactalis South Africa with eight awards, Clover with three, Fairfield Dairy with three, Fair Cape Dairies with two, Ladismith Cheese Company with two, Lancewood with two and Polar Ice Cream Company with two.
Dalewood Fromage received an honourable mention for third place overall for its Full Cream Jersey Milk, while second place overall was awarded to Lactalis South Africa for its Woolworths Mature Gouda (10 months).
Game changer award
Agri-Expo also honoured Courtenay van der Merwe (32), new product development manager at Fair Cape Dairies, with the third annual Hollard Game Changer Award. The award, which includes a cash prize of R50 000 sponsored by Hollard, recognises young professionals making a measurable impact in the dairy industry.
Milford said a project of this scale is only possible through strong industry collaboration. Platinum partners include IMCD South Africa and dsm-firmenich, with diamond partners Novonesis, SIG and Synercore.
Natasha de Lange, managing director of IMCD South Africa, said their involvement reflects a long-term commitment to the sector.
“Supporting dairy excellence with purpose is more than a campaign line for us; it reflects how we work every day. We are proud to stand alongside the industry as platinum partner of the 2026 SA Dairy Championships and celebrate the people and products driving dairy forward,” she said.
For more information and the full results, visit https://dairychamps.co.za
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