Compagniesdrift’s Makataan Chunks recently won the very first South African Preserve Product of the Year award, announced at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, yesterday.
Photo: Glenneis Kriel
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.
Receiving the award, Ilse Ruthford, managing director of Compagniesdrift in Stellenbosch, said it was a major milestone for the team: “For me, this is a special moment because I grew up with preserve products and am continuing my grandmother’s tradition.”
Compagniesdrift planted a vegetable garden in 2014 and developed a range of preserves to share different crops – such as makataan watermelon – with consumers.
“Lena Conradie, who cooks our makataan chunks, always says you must cook from the heart and have patience, because it is a long process,” Ruthford said.
She added that the new championships provided producers with an inspiring benchmark and promoted excellence in agriculture.
A judging panel of 38 experts evaluated the entries through a rigorous blind-tasting process. Seventy products from 29 manufacturers were recognised as South African Champions in their respective classes, while 11 were named best in their categories.
Montagu Foods Shoprite Housebrand/Ritebrand Peach Fruit Chutney was named the best chutney, Compagniesdrift Makataan Chunks the best fruit in syrup, Uit-Die-Bottel Quince Jam the best jam, Domein Doornkraal Plum Jelly the best jelly, and Hemelhuijs Kumquat Conserve the best marmalade.
Pesto Princess Sundried Tomato Pesto was named the best pesto; Kloovenburg Olives Black Olives in Blackberry Dressing took the pickled fruit category; Jumping Jackal Delicacies Pickled Jalapeno Whole the pickled vegetables; Miami Boerie Relish Sweet Tomato the best relish; Willow Creek Olive Tapenade with Black Olives, Anchovies & Capers the best tapenade; and Creative Cuisine Pantry Curried Baby Onions the best vegetables in sauce category.
Chris Fourie, president of Agri-Expo, said the competition was launched to celebrate the rich heritage and art of preserve making, while recognising top-quality products, innovation, and excellence in the industry.
Chief judge Susina Jooste praised the overall standard of the entries: “All the products entered into the competition were of exceptional quality, truly leaving consumers with a luxury of choice when it comes to preserves.”
She added that Compagniesdrift’s Makataan Chunks stood out for its combination of appearance, flavour, texture, and overall quality.
