The acquisition of Ladismith Cheese Company by Woodlands Dairy Group has officially been approved by the South African Competition Tribunal, paving the way for one of the country’s largest dairy businesses to expand its footprint in the local market.
The approval follows a positive recommendation from the South African Competition Commission and concludes the regulatory process linked to the transaction. Ladismith Cheese Company, together with its subsidiaries Ladismith Powder Company and Mooivallei Suiwel, was acquired from Sea Harvest Group Limited.
The deal officially closed on 30 April 2026 and took effect from 1 May 2026, when Ladismith became part of the Woodlands Dairy Group.
Woodlands Dairy Group CEO Helen McDougall said the acquisition forms part of the company’s long-term growth plans.
“This is an important milestone for our business and supports our long-term growth strategy,” says McDougall.
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“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.”
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Big player in SA’s dairy industry
Ladismith Cheese Company will continue operating under its existing brand while benefiting from the support and expertise of the broader Woodlands Dairy Group. The company specialises in cheese, butter and milk powder, products that complement Woodlands Dairy’s current offering of fresh and UHT milk, yoghurt, custard and flavoured milk.
According to the group, the acquisition is expected to strengthen supply chain efficiencies, broaden its consumer offering and position Ladismith for further growth within a larger dairy network.
Woodlands Dairy Group chairman Lex Gutsche said the transaction also reflects confidence in the South African agricultural sector.
“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 Gutsche.
Woodlands Dairy Group consists of Woodlands Dairy and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fairfield Dairy. The company is regarded as a significant player in the country’s dairy industry and says the latest acquisition will help expand its scale and market reach.
McDougall thanked employees, suppliers and milk producers for their continued support during the transition.
“Being part of a larger dairy group presents new opportunities for scale, expansion, and reach. I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all management, employees, milk producers, and suppliers for their ongoing commitment and contribution to our success.”
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