Woodlands Dairy to acquire 100% of Ladismith Cheese

SOUTH AFRICA – Woodlands Dairy Group has announced a proposed acquisition of 100% of Ladismith Cheese Company, including its subsidiaries Ladismith Powder Company and Mooivallei Suiwel, from Sea Harvest Group.

The proposed acquisition adds to Woodlands’ existing operations, which include Woodlands Dairy and its wholly owned Fairfield Dairy, covering UHT milk, yoghurt, cheese, custard, flavoured milk, and other dairy products.

Woodlands CEO Helen McDougall said: “This transaction aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver high-quality, sustainable dairy products to a growing market.

“By integrating Ladismith’s established regional presence and expertise with our extensive network, we are well positioned to provide customers with an enhanced and more specialised product portfolio.”

Chairman Lex Gutsche added that this transaction will expand the Group’s geographical presence of production facilities, reaching the full breadth of South Africa and bringing us closer to more farmers and customers.

“I’m also very pleased and indeed proud that this transaction will lead to us becoming the largest wholly South African-owned, 25% Black-empowered dairy in the country – a clear testament to our belief in South Africa and its people.”

Founded in 1999, Ladismith Cheese Company is known for its high-quality cheese, butter, and milk powder. Woodlands says the integration will broaden its product range, expand its customer and channel base, and drive operational efficiencies across the group.

Sea Harvest CEO Felix Ratheb commented: “In line with the strategic objectives presented to shareholders in early 2025, Sea Harvest intends de-leveraging its balance sheet through the disposal of non-fishing assets and re-focus on its seafood businesses.

“We will utilise the proceeds from the disposal to repay a portion of the long-term debt in our South African operation.”

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals. Ladismith Cheese Company will continue operating under its existing brand, with ongoing support from Woodlands’ leadership team.

Woodlands Dairy recognized for its ECO+ tethered cap innovation at Petco Awards 2025

Recently, the company was named the winner in the Responsible Packaging Design category at the 2025 Petco Awards for its ECO+ tethered cap innovation.

The company is South Africa’s first to introduce tethered caps on its First Choice Extended Shelf Life milk cartons, a simple design shift with significant environmental benefits. These caps stay attached to the carton, making them less likely to become litter and easier to recycle along with the packaging.

Made from 100% renewable materials and weighing up to 30% less than standard caps, the CueCap Eco+ design is already widely used in Europe.

By adopting this innovation early, Woodlands Dairy has taken a clear step towards more responsible, future-ready packaging.

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