Competition Tribunal approves the acquisition of Ladismith Cheese by Woodlands dairy

SOUTH AFRICA – The Competition Tribunal has approved, with conditions, the merger in which Fairfield Dairy will acquire the entire issued share capital of Ladismith Cheese, after which it will be solely controlled by Fairfield and its owner company, Woodlands Dairy.

Fairfield has committed to increasing the merged entity’s annual spend on enterprise and supplier development and related initiatives, the tribunal says.

Fairfield forms part of a group active in the processing, production, packaging and sale of dairy and dairy-related products, supplying house brands for major retailers and its own First Choice range across retail and non-retail channels.

Its product offering includes fresh milk, flavoured milk, yoghurt-based drinks, yoghurt, butter, cream, cheese and amasi.

Ladismith Cheese, currently controlled by Cape Harvest Food Group, a subsidiary of Sea Harvest Group, produces and sells cheese, butter, and powdered milk products into retail and non-retail channels in South Africa.

In 2025, Woodlands Dairy Group 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.”

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.

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