A traditional favourite, makataan watermelon, has reaffirmed its place in South Africa’s kitchens. Compagniesdrift’s Makataan Chunks was crowned the very first South African Preserve Product of the Year on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch.
The winning product was one of 456 entries from 66 manufacturers in the newly launched South African Preserve Championships, presented by Agri-Expo, the country’s oldest agricultural society.
A judging panel of 38 experts evaluated the entries through a rigorous blind tasting process. In the end, 70 products from 29 manufacturers were recognised as South African Champions in their respective classes, with 11 category winners standing out (see full list below).
“South African consumers truly have the luxury of choice when it comes to quality,” said chief judge Susina Jooste, food expert and training specialist. “Compagniesdrift’s makataan chunks impressed with its winning combination of appearance, flavour, texture, and overall quality. To be named Product of the Year in a competition of this calibre is a remarkable achievement.”
COMPAGNIESDRIFT’S PRIDE
Ilse Ruthford, Managing Director of Compagniesdrift in Stellenbosch, says this national award is a major milestone for their team: “Agriculture is our pride and joy. After planting a vegetable garden in 2014, we developed a range of preserve products to share different crops – such as makataan watermelon – with consumers. For me, this is especially meaningful because I grew up with it and I am continuing my grandmother’s tradition. Lena Conradie, who cooks our makataan chunks preserve, always says you must cook from the heart and have patience, because it’s a long process. These new championships provide producers with an inspiring benchmark and support excellence in agriculture. We are incredibly proud.”
A NEW PLATFORM FOR PRESERVES
According to Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo and organiser of the championships, the competition was created to spotlight the art of preserving, to give recognition to top-quality products, and to contribute to economic development.
“The large number of entries clearly shows there is a need in the industry for this kind of platform,” said Milford. “The results highlight an innovative sector and healthy competition – from established brands to smaller and emerging producers. Congratulations to all the winners.”
Milford also thanked gold partners ClemenGold and Hollard for their support: “This project would not have been possible without strong backing from industry partners.”
ELEVEN CATEGORY WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The following products were named best in their categories (in alphabetical order):
Chutney: Montagu Foods Shoprite Housebrand/Ritebrand Peach Fruit Chutney
Fruit in syrup: Compagniesdrift Makataan Chunks (SA Preserve Product of the Year)
Jam: Uit-Die-Bottel Quince Jam
Jellies: Domein Doornkraal Plum Jelly
Marmalade: Hemelhuijs Kumquat Conserve
Pesto: Pesto Princess Sundried Tomato Pesto
Pickled fruit: Kloovenburg Olives Black Olives in Blackberry Dressing
Pickled vegetables: Jumping Jackal Delicacies Pickled Jalapeño Whole
Relish: Miami Boerie Relish, Sweet Tomato
Tapenade: Willow Creek Olive Tapenade with Black Olives, Anchovies & Capers
Vegetables in sauce: Creative Cuisine Pantry Curried Baby Onions
The inaugural South African Preserve Championships have set a new benchmark for excellence, celebrating both heritage and innovation in the art of preserving. With Compagniesdrift’s makataan chunks leading the way, the event not only honours tradition but also inspires a thriving future for local producers and consumers alike.
