About the SA Dairy Championships
Africa’s largest and oldest dairy competition has been presented by Agri-Expo since 1834.
The aim of the SA Dairy Championships is to recognise and reward the quality of dairy products. The championships contributes significantly to promoting excellence in the dairy industry and elevates the profile of the industry amongst consumers.
Class winners are awarded the title of SA Champion. Products of exceptional quality that achieve a minimum international score can earn the prestigious Qualité Mark of Excellence – the dairy industry’s highest accolade. The product with the highest overall score is crowned Product of the Year
The growing number of around 1 000 entries from around 70 producers annually is a clear indication of the high level of confidence dairy processors have in the Championships.
DATES FOR THE 2026 SA DAIRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Entries Open: 28 January 2026 (Enter Now)
- Entries Close: 23 February 2026
- Delivery: 23-24 March 2026, Eensgezind Venue, Durbanville
- Judging: 25-27 March 2026, Eensgezind Venue, Durbanville
- SA Dairy Awards: 23 April 2026, Nederburg, Paarl
The championships consist of various categories (cheese, butter, yoghurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, cultured and flavoured milk, dairy desserts, milk and UHT milk, cream) and more than 100 classes for end products in the dairy industry.
The cheese category is the largest, taking up more than half of the entries. The number and quality of goat’s milk and continental cheeses have increased significantly over the years, which is mainly due to growing demand and innovation amongst cheesemakers. The SA Dairy Championships is unique in South Africa and is regarded by the industry as a world-class event.
