Agri-Expo invites producers to enter the 2026 South African Dairy Championships

Agri-Expo invites dairy producers across the country to enter the 193rd edition of Africa’s oldest and largest dairy competition, the 2026 South African Dairy Championships. 

The championships attract approximately 1 000 entries annually from large, medium and small producers across more than 100 classes. Products are evaluated by an independent panel of experts, with each class winner awarded the title of SA Champion. Only products of exceptional quality qualify for the prestigious Qualité Mark of Excellence, while the product achieving the highest overall score is named Product of the Year.

The scale and stature of the competition were underscored last year when a record 1 110 dairy products from 77 producers were evaluated. A panel of 103 judges from 47 companies assessed the entries over three days, resulting in 114 SA Champions and 30 Qualité-awarded products being named.

According to Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo, the championships remain a key benchmark for excellence in the South African dairy industry. “The continued growth in entries confirms the value producers place on independent, credible evaluation,” says Milford.

“Quality dairy products deserve recognition and visibility among consumers – and that is precisely the role this competition fulfils.”

IMPORTANT DATES

Entries open: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Entries close: Monday, 23 February 2026
Product delivery: 23–24 March 2026 (Eensgezind, Durbanville)
Judging: 25–27 March 2026 (Eensgezind, Durbanville)
SA Dairy Championships Awards ceremony: Thursday, 23 April 2026 (Nederburg, Paarl)

Producers can enter online at www.sadairychamps.co.za.

The 2026 SA Dairy Championships is made possible with the support of platinum partners, IMCD and dsm-firmenich, and other sponsors. For more information, contact 021 863 1599 or 083 440 1628, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..