A MASCARPONE, crafted by RFG Foods in Simondium, was crowned the 2025 Dairy Product of the Year at the prestigious South African Dairy Awards on Tuesday 8 April 2025 at Eensgezind outside Durbanville. The winning mascarpone with fig and pecan nuts, made especially for Woolworths by RFG Foods, was one of a record-breaking 1 110 dairy products from 77 manufacturers that competed in the 2025 SA Dairy Championships, the biggest and longest-running dairy competition in Africa.
A panel of 103 expert judges representing 47 companies adjudicated the entries over three days. A total of 114 products received SA Champion awards as class winners, while 30 products were honoured with the prestigious Qualité mark, the only mark of excellence in the South African dairy industry (see the full list of crème de la crème below).
“Being awarded Product of the Year in a competition of this calibre is the ultimate accolade for any dairy producer,” says Graham Sutherland, chief judge of the SA Dairy Championships. “This rich, sweet, and indulgent dessert cheese stands out for its harmonious blend of fig and pecan nuts with smooth mascarpone. It creates a dreamy flavour experience and leaves a lasting impression.”
Robert Sudell, operations manager of RFG Foods, says its team is incredibly proud to win Product of the Year for the second time in three years. “Italian cheeses have been a speciality at RFG Foods for many years,” he says. “Our artisanal cheese team, led by Kerwick Boonzaaier, are true experts, crafting cheese that are some of the best in the world. We also congratulate Agri-Expo on the 192nd SA Dairy Championships and its ongoing support of innovation and excellence.”
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