Makataan Chunks crowned SA’s first Preserve Product of the Year

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.