Woodlands Dairy Group (Pty) Limited (“Woodlands”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 100% of Ladismith Cheese Company (Pty) Limited, together with its subsidiaries, Ladismith Powder Company (Pty) Limited and Mooivallei Suiwel (Pty) Limited, from Sea Harvest Group Limited.
As a prominent entity in the dairy sector, Woodlands Dairy Group, comprising Woodlands Dairy and its wholly owned subsidiary Fairfield Dairy (Pty) Limited, specialises in UHT milk, yoghurt, cheese, custard, flavoured milk, and a diverse range of other dairy products. This acquisition represents a significant advancement in the Group’s strategic growth trajectory, further solidifying its dedication to the South African dairy industry while enhancing supply chain efficiencies and expanding its consumer offerings.
“This transaction aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver high-quality, sustainable dairy products to a growing market,” comments Woodlands Dairy Group CEO Helen McDougall. “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 of Woodlands Dairy Group, Lex Gutsche, adds that the acquisition of the Ladismith Cheese Company is extremely exciting. “This transaction will expand the Group’s geographical production facility presence, reaching the full breadth of South Africa, 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.”
Established in June 1999, Ladismith Cheese Company has built a strong reputation for its high-quality cheese, butter, and milk powder. The incorporation of the Ladismith Cheese Company group will enable Woodlands Dairy Group to broaden its product range, expand its customer and channel base, leverage synergies throughout the organisation, and drive operational efficiencies across the group.
The completion of this transaction remains subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals. Ladismith Cheese Company will continue to operate under its existing brand, benefiting from ongoing support provided by Woodlands Dairy Group’s leadership and expertise.
Sea Harvest Group CEO, Felix Ratheb, says, “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-focusing 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.”
About Woodlands Dairy Group
With a 30-year legacy, Woodlands Dairy Group has become one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of UHT milk, prominently marketed under the renowned First Choice brand. The company also specialises in the processing, production, and packaging of premium dairy products for both its inhouse brand (First Choice), and for house brands supplied to respected South African retailers.
Woodlands Dairy Group’s shareholders consist of Gutsche Family Investments (Pty) Ltd, together with a 25% equity shareholding held through Dream World Investments 481 (RF) (Pty) Ltd.
Strategically situated along the scenic Garden Route in the heart of the Eastern Cape dairy region, Humansdorp, Woodlands Dairy thrives at the centre of South Africa’s dairy industry. In 2022, the Group expanded its footprint by acquiring 100% of Fairfield Dairy, located in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands.
Woodlands Dairy Group is deeply committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing its environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, efficient production, and recyclable packaging.
The Group remains committed to excellence, innovation, and delivering superior dairy products. Through ongoing strategic investments and a customer-centric approach, it continues to set industry standards and drive growth within the sector.
