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 recently at Nederburg in Paarl, Western Cape.
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, 112 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 says the winning product reflects both technical skill and authenticity.
Celebrating innovation and quality
“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,” Sutherland said.
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Puglia Cheese founders, Davide and Ursula Ostini, say 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,” the founders said.
According to Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo, the results reflect both innovation and resilience in the dairy industry. “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.”
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Milford congratulated leading performers in this year’s Qualité Awards, including Lactalis South Africa (eight awards), Clover (three), Fairfield Dairy (three), Fair Cape Dairies (two), Ladismith Cheese Company (two), Lancewood (two) and Polar Ice Cream Company (two).
“A wide range of other producers has also been recognised for outstanding quality, including Dalewood Fromage, which 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,” he said.
A winning partnership
Meanwhile, Agri-Expo also honoured Courtenay van der Merwe, 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.
Natasha de Lange, managing director of IMCD South Africa, says 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,” De Lange said.
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