The Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society was established in 1831 and presented agricultural shows in Rosebank and Goodwood. After 175 years, the Society is still committed to fulfill a leading role in the promotion of the image of agriculture in the Western Cape. Since 1996 shows, training, expos and sponsorships carry the Agri-Expo logo.

Agri-Expo is the organiser of the SA Cheese Festival, presented annually as a showcase for the South African cheese industry.

As a result of Agri-Expo’s long relationship with the dairy industry (since 1895), the Society supports the industry in the following areas:

South African Dairy Championships - this annual event has become the country’s only and leading such like event.

SA Champion Class winners are awarded the title of SA Champion.

Qualite Award A Qualite award is earned by outstanding cheeses which score more than a minimum number of points.

This award indicates the very best products of its type for the year and the winners are announced at the Lake Foods Qualité Awards dinner two days prior to the Cheese Festival.

Product of the Year This product is chosen as the best from the group of Qualite Award winners.

Cheese making scholarships - Agri-Expo acts as facilitator and project manager for two annual scholarships. Through the generous sponsorship of a UK dairy company, Fayrefield Foods, a cheese maker is afforded the opportunity to train and study cheddar cheese making in leading UK cheeseries. Sponsorships from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Regional Government of Burgundy make it possible to train four young cheese makers during June of every year in the art of French cheese making.

International cheese competitions - Agri-Expo is the appointed South African representative and co-ordinator for the world’s two biggest cheese competitions namely the UK based World Cheese Awards and the USA managed World Championship Cheese Contest. This service enables local cheese makers to take part in international competitions to regularly test their cheeses against the very best in the world with outstanding results.

South African cheese website

www.cheesesa.co.za

This website was established by Agri-Expo during 2003 to inform local and international cheese lovers and interested parties about the industry and its products. The website is visited by some 20 000 visitors per month.