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South African cheese has never looked – or tasted – so good. At the 37th World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland, Woolworths brought home 10 international accolades, putting the nation firmly on the gourmet map. From creamy bries to artisanal cheddars, these award-winning cheeses are the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, and now, one lucky reader can experience them firsthand with a R500 Woolworths voucher to curate their own indulgent cheese moment at home.
Since its inception in 1988, the World Cheese Awards is an annual affair that reviews over 5,000 cheeses from nearly 50 countries. However, only the finest creations earn recognition from an elite panel of internationally acclaimed cheese experts.
Event organisers curate an international judging panel of over 200 leading cheese experts – a balanced mix of technical experts, chefs, buyers, acclaimed food journalists, and passionate connoisseurs, including prominent industry names like Giles & Charlie Barber (Barber’s Cheese), Jason Hinds (Borough Cheese Company) and Cathy Strange (Whole Foods Market).
This year, South Africa made its mark in a big way. Of the 20 cheeses entered by Woolworths, they brought home 10 coveted awards for its exceptional range of cheeses — 5 Bronze, 1 Silver, 3 Gold, and even more impressively, a Super Gold award. From creamy, decadent bries to robust, mature cheddars, each selection demonstrates unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative flair, and a dedication to quality that rivals the best the world has to offer.
The accolades underscore a remarkable milestone for the nation’s cheese producers, who are now firmly positioned on the global gourmet stage. Woolworths’ success is a celebration of South Africa’s growing reputation for artisanal excellence, proving that local ingredients, creativity, and precision can shine just as brightly as the world’s finest cheeses.
Bronze awards were received for cheeses produced by Klein River, Fairview and Lactalis, including its Klein River Havarti, Klein River Oak Smoked Stanford, Lactalis 10 months matured Gouda, Lactalis 20 months matured Gouda and Fairview Paarl Rock Brie. This was a phenomenal accomplishment for a brand-new cheese, exclusive to Woolworths.
The Klein River Gruberg Vintage 12 months matured earned a Silver, and three other Woolworths-exclusive creations – the Fairview Chevre Roue, Dalewood Fromage Huguenot and Klein River Gruberg 6 months matured – each secured a Gold.
An even greater honour was attained as Dalewood Fromage Boland cheese scooped a coveted Super Gold Award. Woolworths have been in partnership with the master cheesemakers at Dalewood for 25 years, and remains the exclusive retailer for Boland, so it was a proud moment for all involved. This accomplishment is among many Super Gold honours Woolworths’ cheeses have earned over the years, reflecting the strength, consistency, and craftsmanship of its cheesemaking partnerships.
To honour this delicious achievement, we’re giving one lucky reader a R500 voucher to spend at Woolworths. Whether you’re curating a sumptuous cheese platter for entertaining or exploring artisanal favourites at home, this is your chance to indulge in luxury and savour the flavours that are putting South Africa on the international gourmet map.
Want to win?
1. Follow @hellolifestylemagazine and @woolworths on Instagram.
2. Complete the competition entry form below.
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