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 am continuing my grandmother’s tradition. Lena Conradie, who cooks our makataan chunks, 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 Hollar