Photo: Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Founded in 1995 by entrepreneur Lex Gutsche in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, the company has grown from a small local operation into a national dairy leader and the region’s largest private-sector employer.
Local roots to a national brand
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Helen McDougall, CEO of Woodlands Dairy, said that it was initially established to serve the needs of local farmers, many of whom still supply the company today.
She added that its entry into value-added dairy products in the early 2000s with the launch of First Choice, helped transform it into a household name. Since then, the company has expanded its product range to include UHT milk, cheeses, creams, custards, desserts, and high-protein innovations that serve both local and export markets.
Over three decades, it has made major investments in processing capacity, infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology to meet evolving consumer needs.
“We act ethically and transparently in all dealings – from sourcing and production to customer relationships and community engagement,” said McDougall.
McDougall points out that these are more than just ideals. “These values are embedded in the fabric of our organisation, guiding decisions from the factory floor to the boardroom, and shaping the way we do business responsibly, ethically, and sustainably,” she said.
Culture of choosing well
Marketing executive, Marisa Maccaferri told Farmer’s Weekly, the company’s ethos of ‘Choosing Good’ included everything from ethical sourcing and product design, to employee wellbeing and community investment.
“It is reflected in our ‘Grass to Glass’ milk standard, our investments in clean energy and packaging innovation, and our commitment to community upliftment. It’s a lived culture, not just a slogan,” she said.
Sustainability leadership
Sustainability Manager André Adendorff., told Farmer’s Weekly that sustainability has been central to Woodlands Dairy’s growth trajectory. Its Resource Recovery Plant recycles processed water, while biomass boilers reduce fossil fuel dependence. In 2024, the company’s carbon emissions dropped by 4,7%, bringing its total footprint down to 33,968t of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), a 63,6% reduction since 2012.
“Our product carbon footprint per litre of milk for 2024 stands at just 92 grams of CO₂e. Biomass now accounts for 71,47% of our total energy consumption, which marks a significant milestone in reducing our environmental impact,” Adendorff pointed out.
Despite a slight year-on-year increase in water consumption due to maintenance at the Resource Recovery Plant, the company plans targeted improvements in 2025. “We remain fully committed to enhancing our water stewardship,” said Adendorff.
Empowering communities
Assistant Brand Manager Mandla Charlie told Farmer’s Weekly the company shows a commitment to social development through initiatives like its Learnership Programme, running since 2012.
“This programme provides young people, particularly from under-resourced and rural communities, with workplace experience and skills training. Many have gone on to secure permanent jobs, either at Woodlands Dairy, or within the broader industry,” said Charlie.
Vision for the future
According to McDougall, Woodlands Dairy aims to expand into new African markets, strengthen its global footprint, and scale up health-focused, sustainability-led product ranges.
The company’s long-term vision also includes ambitious environmental and social targets, many of which are outlined in its Sustainability Booklet and Environmental, Social and Governance reports.
“Thirty years ago, Woodlands Dairy started with a vision to deliver quality dairy products, while uplifting local communities and caring for our environment. That commitment remains stronger than ever,” she said.
