11 May 2026 Ladismith Cheese – Woodlands Dairy deal gets official nod
Finalisation of the sale of Ladismith Cheese to Woodlands Dairy in a deal worth R840-million….
Woodlands Dairy reports that the SA Competition Tribunal has approved its acquisition of 100% of Ladismith Cheese, together with its subsidiaries, Ladismith Powder and Mooivallei Suiwel from the Sea Harvest.
“This is an important milestone for our business and supports our long-term growth strategy,” says Woodlands Dairy Group CEO, Helen McDougall.
“Ladismith brings strong regional expertise and a complementary product offering, positioning us to expand our capabilities while continuing to deliver quality, value, and innovation to our customers. We look forward to a successful integration.”
Ladismith Cheese Company will continue to operate under its existing brand, supported by the leadership and expertise of Woodlands Dairy Group.
The business specialises in cheese, butter and milk powder, and these complementary product lines will further strengthen the Group’s overall offering. The transaction positions Ladismith for continued growth as part of a larger dairy group, while maintaining its positive impact in the communities it serves.
“I am very pleased and proud that Woodlands Dairy Group is now the largest wholly South African-owned, 25% Black-empowered dairy in the country – a clear testament to our belief in South Africa and its people” says Woodlands Dairy Group Chairman, Lex Gutsche.
Woodlands Dairy, now the no 3 player in the dairy sector, comprises Woodlands Dairy and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fairfield Dairy. The Group produces a wide range of products, including fresh and UHT milk, yoghurt, cheese, custard, and flavoured milk.
About Ladismith Cheese
Ladismith Cheese Company is situated in Ladismith, in the western Klein Karoo region of South Africa.
Cheese from the region has been manufactured since 1940, and since its inception in June 1999, Ladismith Cheese has joined this proud tradition.
The company makes a variety of cheese, butter, and milk powder products available in supermarkets throughout South Africa’s major centres.
This secured the company’s position as a household name for many South African consumers.
The company started operations with a milk intake of 15,000 litres per day and initially produced only Gouda and cheddar cheese.
In the years since inception, a large variety of products were added to its portfolio, including speciality cheese such as Edam, Ladismithers, Mature Cheddar, White Cheddar, White Gouda and Mozzarella.
The company also diversified its dairy business to include butter, which it began producing in 2022.
The company also completed its first powder plant in 2004, producing milk powder, buttermilk powder, whey powder, and coffee creamers.
Given its massive expansion over the last 20 years, the company’s daily milk intake has exceeded 200,000 litres, with roughly 700 tons of cheese and 200 tons of butter produced monthly.
Source: Woodlands Dairy, BusinessTech.co.za
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Woodlands buys Ladismith Cheese Co
The Gutsche family, long regarded as one of SA’s wealthiest dynasties with roots in the Eastern Cape, has agreed to acquire Ladismith Cheese from Sea Harvest for up to R850-million in an all-cash transaction that highlights both strategic recycling of capital and a sharp pivot in the local food sector.