Photo above: Entries are now open for the second annual South African Preserve Championships, closing on Friday, 29 May 2026. Photo: Andrew Gorman Photography.
Following the success of 2025, Agri-Expo invites local producers to showcase their finest preserved products on a national stage by entering the second annual South African Preserve Championships.
The Championships is open to producers of all sizes across the country and focus on preserved fruit and vegetable products in a wide range of classes, including jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles, pestos, olives and more. All products must be commercially available at the time of entry, whether in retail outlets, farm stalls, markets or online.
A panel of 50 expert judges, led by chief judge Susina Jooste, a food specialist and training expert, will evaluate entries through a blind tasting process, followed by an independent audit.
“The response to the inaugural South African Preserve Championships in 2025 exceeded all expectations, with 456 entries from 66 producers,” says Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo and organiser of the competition. “This not only reflects the growing interest in quality preserved products, but also highlights the value of a national platform that recognises excellence. It is an outstanding opportunity for producers to gain national recognition, connect with industry stakeholders, and celebrate the craft of preserving.”
Photo below: Producers across South Africa are invited to enter preserved fruit and vegetable products such as jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles, pestos, olives and more. Photo: Supplied
Above: Ilse Ruthford with the award for Compagniesdrift’s Makataan Chunks, named the 2025 SA Preserve Product of the Year. Photo: Andrew Gorman Photography.
Compagniesdrift’s Makataan Chunks (photo above) was named the 2025 Preserve Product of the Year, while 70 products from 29 producers were recognised as South African Champions, along with 11 category winners.
“Agri-Expo is committed to excellence in agri-processing across multiple sectors,” Milford adds. “This competition honours exceptional products and encourages ongoing improvement and innovation in the preserving industry.”
The 2026 SA Preserve Championships is made possible through the financial support of Gold Partners Hollard, ClemenGold and The Consol Shop – An Ardagh Glass Packaging Company.
Above: photo by Andrew Gorman Photography.
HOW TO ENTER
- Entries open on Monday, 4 May 2026, and close on Friday, 29 May 2026.
- The entry fee is R150 (excluding VAT) per entry.
- To enter, complete the online form at www.sapreservechamps.co.za.
- Judging will take place on Wednesday, 29 July.
- Products must be delivered on 21, 22 or 23 July.
- Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, 27 August.
- For more information, email [email protected].
- Follow @AgriExpo1 on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn, and join the conversation using #AgriExpo #SAPreserveChamps.
