Woodlands Dairy expands its product line with new Velvet Milkshake

SOUTH AFRICA – Woodlands Dairy has launched its latest product: Velvet Milkshake to diversify its product offering.

Formulated for a superior mouthfeel, it delivers a high-viscosity, ultra-creamy profile that meets the growing consumer demand for accessible luxury and on-the-go indulgence.

The product has a thick & creamy profile, offering a distinct, indulgent texture that separates it from traditional flavoured milks.

Additionally, the product is available in the three highest-performing SKUs: chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, aligning with the classic market appeal.

It is also shelf-impact packaging, designed to stand out in the competitive chilled/long-life secondary dairy aisles.

“We are excited to bring this level of decadence to the market, offering a nostalgic yet elevated experience that caters to the modern consumer’s craving for quality and substance,” the company stated.

The company began in 1995 as a modest packaging plant for the milk produced on Woodlands Farm, under the ownership of the Gutsche family.

Woodlands Dairy has since evolved into one of South Africa’s foremost manufacturers of UHT milk, proudly marketed under its renowned FIRST CHOICE® brand.

Within the FIRST CHOICE range, it offers an extensive selection, including a variety of cheeses, butter, cream, amasi, custard, flavoured milk, extended shelf life (ESL) fresh milk, UHT milk, milk powder, dairy desserts, dessert toppings, yoghurt, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dips, and ice cream.

Beyond FIRST CHOICE, it specializes in the processing, production, and packaging of high-quality house brand dairy products for retailers like SPAR and Woolworths.

In 2025, the company 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.

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.

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