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!
The South African Preserve Championships – 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.
Supporting South African Cheese on the World Stage
Starting this year, Agri-Expo will serve as an official entry agent for South African cheesemakers at the World Cheese Awards, the world’s largest cheese competition. Established in 1988, the competition brings together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, and food commentators from around the globe under the auspices of the Guild of Fine Food.
At the 2024 World Cheese Awards in Portugal, 4 786 cheeses were judged by a panel of 240 experts, resulting in 104 Super Gold winners. According to Milford, such recognition can significantly enhance a cheese brand’s market value, benefiting both large and small South African producers.
Cape Town to Host the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference
In 2026, Cape Town will host the Commonwealth’s 31st Agriculture Conference from 28 October to 5 November. The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) has awarded the bid to Agri-Expo, marking the second time South Africa has hosted the event, the first being in 2001 in KwaZulu-Natal.
The RASC, a network of over 50 agricultural societies, research institutions, and associations across the Commonwealth, is presided over by HRH The Princess Royal.
“As the sole voice of agriculture in the Commonwealth, the RASC plays a crucial role in the promotion of agriculture,” says Milford, who serves as a Trustee on the RASC Board. Milford led the 2017 RASC Next Generation Assistance and Understanding Mission to the Western Cape, hailed as one of the best in its history.
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, praised Agri-Expo’s achievement in securing the bid. “Agri-Expo is synonymous with agricultural excellence,” Meyer said, referencing the society’s historic role in the establishment of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and its successful public-private partnerships.
“We are excited to host this conference, particularly given the current global landscape,” Meyer continued. “The Western Cape is committed to economic growth, and attracting international conferences aligns with our vision.”
Julian Taylor, RASC Trustee from the UK, was impressed by the Western Cape’s agricultural diversity. “Hosting this global event in Cape Town presents an incredible opportunity to showcase South African agriculture to the world,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming between 200 and 300 delegates from more than 20 Commonwealth countries.”
For more information, visit https://www.rasc2026.com as well as https://www.agriexpo.co.za, follow Agri-Expo on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or contact Agri-Expo at +27 21 975 4440 or [email protected].
