SA’s first preserve champs break records with 456 entries

Food lovers and producers celebrated a brand-new chapter in South Africa’s food scene with the very first South African Preserve Championships held at Eensgezind near Durbanville in the Western Cape. The event drew an incredible 456 entries from 66 different producers – more than double what organisers expected!

“The Preserve Championships was created to honour top-quality products, raise awareness of preservation, create marketing opportunities for entrepreneurs, and celebrate the art of food preservation,” said Susina Jooste, chief judge and well-known food expert.

She added that the competition also promotes knowledge-sharing, sustainability, economic growth, higher standards, and helps reduce food waste.

A team of 38 judges took part in blind tastings to pick the winners. The judges came from all over the food world: from famous chefs and food writers to students, retail and hospitality experts, and even some producers themselves.

Agri-Expo’s latest initiative, the South African Preserve Championships, kicked off on 23 July with judging at Eensgezind outside Durbanville. From left: Food expert and writer Carmen Niehaus, Peter Duncan, head chef at La Petite Colombe, chief judge Susina Jooste, food expert and training specialist, Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo and organiser of the championships, and Arina du Plessis, Food Editor at Landbouweekblad. Photo: Supplied/A Gorman Photography — Agri-Expo’s latest initiative, the South African Preserve Championships, kicked off on 23 July with judging at Eensgezind outside Durbanville. From left: Food expert and writer Carmen Niehaus, Peter Duncan, head chef at La Petite Colombe, chief judge Susina Jooste, food expert and training specialist, Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo and organiser of the championships, and Arina du Plessis, Food Editor at *Landbouweekblad*. Photo: Supplied/A Gorman Photography

Hosted by Agri-Expo, the competition included over 100 categories featuring jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles, pestos, and other creative preserved products, but only items already sold to the public in shops, markets, or online were allowed.

Jooste explained that innovation was a big part of the judging.

“It was great to see authenticity and creativity working together,” she said. “I’m sure this competition will boost quality in the market and help shoppers trust preserve products more. We can’t wait to see which products win and how customers respond when they spot the award labels on the shelves.”

The judging panel of 38 experts during the inaugural South African Preserve Championships at Eensgezind outside Durbanville. Photo: Supplied/A Gorman Photography

Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo and organiser of the championships, said the huge interest showed the industry really needs a platform like this.

“We started this competition for fruit and vegetable agri-processors. The huge number of entries proves there’s a demand for preserve products to be recognised alongside other favourites like cheese and wine,” he said.

Milford also thanked ClemenGold and Hollard, who supported the event as gold partners, saying the championship wouldn’t have been possible without them.

After the judging, all entries were donated to local welfare organisations, spreading the goodness even further.

The big awards ceremony, where winners will be revealed, is set for Tuesday, 19 August at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch.

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