South African Cheesemakers Shine at 2025 World Cheese Awards

South Africa’s cheesemakers made a remarkable mark at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland, earning praise from Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen for their dedication and skill. The international competition brought together over 200 judges who assessed thousands of cheeses through a strict blind tasting process. Despite the global scale of the event, South African producers emerged as top contenders.

Klein River Cheese led the national performance, winning ten medals, including a Super Gold for its 24-month-old Babylonstoren Parmesan. The Stanford-based family business also secured Gold for its 12-month-old Parmesan and six-month-old Woolworths Gruberg Mature. Silver awards went to Spar Signature Selection Smoked Artisan Gouda and 12-month-old Gruberg Vintage, while bronze medals were awarded for Havarti, Danbo, Cape Leopard, three-month-old Gruberg Young, and Woolworths Oak-smoked Stanford.

Dalewood Fromage also excelled, earning a Super Gold for its Boland cheese and Gold for its Huguenot. Nellie Fischer of Dalewood Fromage was named Best Female Cheesemaker, recognizing her leadership and industry contribution. Lancewood received Gold for its sweet chilly medium fat cream cheese and Bronze for Lancewood Mature Cheddar. Fairview Cheese won a bronze medal for Paarl Rock Brie, and Lactalis South Africa claimed three awards for its 10-month-old and 20-month-old matured Goudas and three-to-four-month-old President Cheddar.

Minister Steenhuisen highlighted the broader impact of these achievements, stating, “The awards capture the spirit of countless farmers and workers whose hands and skills shape the flavourful cheeses we enjoy every day. Their pride in their craft is visible in every medal won.”

South Africa produces more than 82 000 metric tons of cheese annually from over 800 million litres of milk. While most is consumed locally, the country exports dairy products across Africa and the Middle East. In 2024, approximately 56 000 tons of dairy products were exported, with cheese accounting for roughly 16% of this volume. South Africa remains a net exporter of cheese, and international recognition strengthens confidence in local quality while expanding market opportunities for producers, the minister added.

The results reflect a growing global reputation for South African cheese, underscoring the country’s expertise, innovation, and commitment to high-quality dairy production.