Agri-Expo - established in 1831 and an active supporter of the South African dairy industry - is the new owner and organiser of the third South African Cheese Festival. Earlier this year, Agri-Expo introduced a new era for the dairy industry. Dairy producers - from farm cheese makers to national dairy producers - competed for the first time for championship trophies as well as Qualité Awards. The Qualité Awards represent the country's highest honour for excellence in the making of dairy products. At the same time the awards serve as a quality guide to the consumer. The 2002 Cheese Festival will take place immediately after the National Dairy Championships - already well established as the biggest competition for dairy products in South Africa. As next year's Dairy Championships and Qualité Awards will be a forerunner to the Cheese Festival, cheese enthusiasts will be able to taste the newly-crowned champion cheeses, as well as the cheeses with Qualité Awards at the Cheese Festival. Agri-Expo is also involved in various other prestige events such as the SA Young Wine Show, Santam Veritas judging and show jumping Championships.