Agri-Expo’s latest initiative, the South African Preserve Championships, highlights excellence in agri-processing, shining a spotlight on fruit and vegetable preserve products.
Legacy met innovation as Agri-Expo, South Africa’s oldest agricultural society, unveiled exciting new ventures at a launch event at Soetmelksvlei, Simondium, on Thursday 25 February. The event was attended by agricultural stakeholders from South Africa and the UK.
Renowned for championing diverse initiatives that bolster South Africa’s agricultural economy, Agri-Expo’s latest projects continue this legacy. Announced at the event were the launch of the South African Preserve Championships in May, offering a national platform for agri-processing excellence, and a new role as the official entry agent for South African cheesemakers at the prestigious World Cheese Awards. Additionally, in October 2026, Agri-Expo will host the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference in Cape Town.
“We are excited about the future of Agri-Expo and South African agriculture,” said Breyton Milford, general manager of Agri-Expo. “Since restructuring two years ago, our revised strategy, focused on economic and rural development, agri-processing, youth and entrepreneurship, as well as recognising excellence, has yielded positive results, reinforcing our sustainability and impact.”
“As an umbrella non-profit organisation, Agri-Expo supports 20 agricultural shows in the Western and Northern Cape, increasing financial backing by 80%,” Milford added. “We have achieved significant financial growth over the past two years, enabling us to introduce new projects.”
Agri-Expo’s core focus areas – wine, dairy, youth development, and agricultural shows – underscore its commitment to agri-processing. The organisation played a key role in establishing South Africa’s first wine show, the South African Young Wine Show, and the country’s largest wine competition, the Veritas Awards. And what pairs best with wine? Cheese and preserves!
Preserve the moment, taste the tradition
Agri-Expo’s latest initiative, the South African Preserve Championships, highlights excellence in agri-processing, shining a spotlight on fruit and vegetable preserve products.
“The goal of the SA Preserve Championships is to recognise and reward quality while showcasing outstanding preserve products,” said Chief Judge Susina Jooste. “A panel of expert judges will assess the entries through a blind-tasting process, following strict protocols and an independent audit.”
“The concept mirrors the world-renowned South African Dairy Championships, Africa’s oldest and largest dairy competition, hosted by Agri-Expo since 1834,” Milford explained. “This year, over three days a record 1 110 dairy products from 77 manufacturers were evaluated by 103 judges from 45 companies, competing for the titles of SA Champion, Product of the Year, and the esteemed Qualité Mark of Excellence.”
Entries for the SA Preserve Championships open on 5 May 2025 and close on 25 June 2025. Judging will take place on 23 July, with winners announced in August. Any product available in the market is eligible for entry. For more information, visit https://preservechamps.co.za.
