Record entries - from traditional preserves to spekboom chutney

The second South African Preserve Championships, presented by Agri-Expo, attracted a record 700 entries from 85 producers when judging took place at Eensgezind outside Durbanville on Wednesday, 29 July, setting a new benchmark for the competition.

A panel of 61 judges assessed this year's entries across more than 100 classes, ranging from jams, marmalades, chutneys and pickles to pesto, olives and a host of other innovative preserves.

Record growth reflects the championships' growing reputation

"The record number of entries shows the confidence producers have in these championships," says Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo. "We are particularly proud of the significant increase from last year's 456 entries."

"The growth confirms that the championships provide a valuable platform for both established and emerging producers to benchmark their products against the highest industry standards. At the same time, they help strengthen consumer confidence in South African preserves."

Agri-Expo, which celebrates its 195th anniversary as an agricultural society this year, launched the championships in 2025 to recognise exceptional quality, support entrepreneurs and promote the art of food preservation.

Expert judging underpins credibility

According to Agri-Expo President Chris Fourie, the success of the championships lies not only in the record number of entries, but also in the quality and integrity of the judging process.

"The expertise of our judges underpins the credibility of these championships. With five judges evaluating every product, producers can be confident that each entry is judged fairly, independently and consistently."

All entries were judged blind by a diverse panel of experts representing the food, hospitality, retail and agricultural sectors.

Tradition and innovation go hand in hand

The judging panel was impressed by the outstanding quality of both traditional, authentic preserves and innovative products featuring unexpected flavour combinations and reflecting contemporary food trends.

"What impressed me most is that the traditional products are competing at the same high level as the newer creations," says chief judge Susina Jooste, renowned food expert and training specialist.

"We've seen products that take you straight back to your grandmother's kitchen – one judge even said that one of the peach preserves brought tears to her eyes – alongside bold new creations that reflect fresh thinking, such as green olives stuffed with cashew nuts, dried salted olives, spekboom chutney and pickled jalapeños in sweet syrup."

According to Jooste, this year's entries confirm that there is room in the market for both the familiar flavours of the past and more adventurous flavour combinations.

Preserves tell South Africa's story

"Preserves are about far more than what's on a supermarket shelf. They tell the story of the people behind them," says Fourie.

"For some, making preserves began out of necessity as a way of earning an income. For others, it became an opportunity to add value to fresh produce or turn a passion into a thriving business. Over generations, South Africa's diverse communities have contributed their own recipes, flavours and traditions. Today, we celebrate that rich culinary heritage, as well as the producers and manufacturers who continue to innovate and strive for excellence."

Fourie says the championships would not be possible without the support of the wider agricultural industry.

"We would like to thank our partners ClemenGold, Ardagh Glass Packaging–Africa, Hollard, Ecowize and SA Olive."

The winners of the 2026 South African Preserve Championships will be announced at Eensgezind on 27 August after which the full results will be available at www.sapreservechamps.co.za.

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Photo caption

Agri-Expo's second annual South African Preserve Championships got under way with the judging at Eensgezind outside Durbanville on 29 July 2026. From left are Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo; Marietjie van Jaarsveld, Head of Ministry at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture; Charlene Nieuwoudt, Communications Manager at ClemenGold; and Wendy Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of SA Olive. Photo: A Gorman Photography