It is two in a row for Parmalat, scooping the top prize again for its 10-month Mature Gouda made especially for Woolworths, and announced at the Agri-Expo Qualité Awards Gala Dinner on March 23.

“For a product to be chosen as Dairy Product of the Year in a competition of this nature is a long and difficult journey and the dream of every dairy technologist,” said chief judge and international dairy expert, Kobus Mulder.

“That the honour befalls this year’s winner of the prestigious title for the second year in a row, is exceptional. Not only is it an extraordinary performance, but also a proof of sustained good manufacturing practices and quality control by the personnel of the manufacturer.

“Technically and gastronomically, the Parmalat 10-months Mature Gouda is as close to perfection as a food product can come.”

“This is the third time in nine years we have won the Product of the Year award for one our cheeses, a clear indication of just how high the quality of our products is and how dedicated and diligent our teams are,” says Cathy Eve, Parmalat SA marketing executive.

185 years celebrated with a record number of entries

The SA Dairy Championships has been presented with great success by Agri-Expo since 1834.

“The Championships has grown to ten categories this year with more than 100 classes for end products in the processing line of the industry,” said Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo.

“The increase in entries over the past few years emphasises the importance of this championship for individuals, small and medium enterprises, as well as national and international companies.

“This year’s results reflect an innovative industry and healthy competition among larger manufacturers and smaller entrepreneurs, with a total of seven Qualité’s awarded to Parmalat, four to Belnori Boutique Cheesery [in Bapsfontein] and a good division between the other winners.

“In addition, no less than 15 producers are newcomers to this year’s competition.”

For more information and full results visit SA Cheese.

2018 Qualité Awards winners: SA Dairy Championships

Parmalat SA (7):

• Woolworths Matured Gouda 10 Months
• Woolworth Vintage Cheddar – White
• Woolworths Matured Gouda 20 Months
• President Matured Gouda 6 Months
• UHT Low Fat Milk
• Medium Fat Yoghurt – Choc Chip
• Medium Fat Yoghurt – Fruited – Strawberry

Belnori Boutique Cheesery (4)

• Kabaka
• Kalabash
• Highvelder Classic
• Tanglewood

Baris Cheese

Vliedermaus – Bloomy Rind with Vegetable Ash

Coega Dairy

Ritebrand UHT Low Fat Milk

Dalewood Fromage

Boland

Dutch Goat Farm

Goat’s Gouda

Fair Cape Dairies

Full Cream Yoghurt – Vanilla Flavoured with Chocolate Chips

Ladismith Cheese Company

Round Gouda

Langbaken Karoo Cheese

Karoo Crumble

Johan Ludolf (Parmalat SA), Selwyn Claassen (Parmalat SA), Johan Ehlers (Agri-Expo CEO), Eugene Swartz (Parmalat GM).