Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) announced today its intention to acquire 100% of the shares in privately-owned prepared foods manufacturer in2food, from the founders, Old Mutual Private Equity (part of Old Mutual Alternative Investments Proprietary Limited), and other exiting shareholders.
in2food is a South African based, market-leading supplier of high-quality convenience foods and one of Woolworths Foods’ most significant suppliers. in2food generates revenue in excess of R5 billion per annum through its diversified range of premium private label products across freshly prepared convenience food, fresh produce, and long-life categories as well as several ambient and bakery products. Woolworths Food is in2food’s largest customer with the balance of its customers comprising other local and international companies across the food service and wholesale channels.
Woolworths Group CEO Roy Bagattini said: “Woolworths and in2food share a more than three-decade history of partnership in creating products of outstanding quality and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to bring a key strategic capability closer to the Woolworths Foods business, strengthening one of the core points of differentiation in our premium food offering.”
in2food has an experienced senior leadership team with deep, multi-disciplinary expertise across the food sector. The management team will continue to lead in2food as a standalone operating business within Woolworths ensuring continuity of operations while preserving the entrepreneurial culture that has underpinned its success.
“Woolworths and in2food have an extended track record of close collaboration, focused on delivering high-quality, innovative food products aligned with Woolworths Foods’ premium positioning,” said Richard Cooper, CEO of in2food. “The Transaction further enhances Woolworths Foods’ ability to protect product quality, innovation and availability, which are core to its differentiated customer proposition. We look forward to further deepening our decades-long connection with Woolworths, and to continue to put innovation, value and quality at the centre of the Woolies Food journey.”
“This transaction brings to conclusion the more than three decade-long partnership with Old Mutual Private Equity and the other exiting shareholders. We would like to thank the outgoing shareholders for being very supportive partners, contributing meaningfully to the commercial rigour applied to key decisions along in2Food’s growth journey since 2015,” continued Cooper.
Bagattini emphasised that the acquisition does not signal a change in Woolworths’ broader food sourcing model. “Our unique relationship with our suppliers is what differentiates us, and is fundamental to delivering our premium food offering. This transaction further enhances the relationship we have with one of our most innovative suppliers, and will extend mutual benefits to our entire value chain and end-customers.”
It is anticipated that the acquisition will be earnings accretive to the Woolworths group, even prior to the benefit of envisaged operational efficiencies which will be realised over time. The purchase consideration will be settled in cash, utilising the Group’s existing financing facilities. The conclusion of the transaction is subject to the fulfilment of both regulatory and commercial suspensive conditions customary of a transaction of this nature, including the approval by the competition authorities of South Africa.
//ENDS//
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) is listed on the JSE Limited Securities Exchange (JSE) with operations across the southern hemisphere. The Group’s vision is to be one of the world’s most responsible retailers, which reflects the organisation’s passionate commitment to doing good business for our customers, our people and our planet. See more information here.
The Group consists of two major operating divisions:
Sustainability is core to our business and is put into action through our Good Business Journey programme which enables a consistent approach to managing sustainability issues across the Group. The programme focuses on eight focus areas: people, social development, health and wellness, sustainable farming, ethical sourcing, packaging and waste, water and energy and climate change. See more information here.
Woolworths Financial Services (WFS) is a joint venture between Woolworths and Absa Group Limited, with Absa Group Limited owning 50% + 1 share.
IN2FOODS
in2food’s growth in the Prepared Food Industry stems from the partnership and collaboration with South Africa’s Premium retailer, Woolworths. This Valued Partnership stems back to the early 1990’s.
Two successful companies, Interfruit and Lombardi Foods, stepped out from common paths to merge. These companies, both home-grown in South Africa, with a mutual pursuit of excellence in prepared food products and having common values and a shared vision, in 2010, formed the company known today as in2food.
Through a strong partnership with both customers and shareholders, the organisation has shown consistently strong performance over the past decade. Growth has been both organic as well as acquisitive, allowing the business to expand and diversify across food categories and portfolios.
Today, in2food has a diverse range of products across the Fresh Produce, Fruit, Prepared, Seafood, Frozens, Bakery, Snacks and Long Life divisions, produced for Woolworths South Africa, a Leading Retailer in the South African Market. This partnership dates back to the 1990’s, and continues to be a key focus and partnership for both businesses.
This capability expands into other Brands, Food Service and Export Markets, where we continue to deliver innovative solutions that inspire. See more information here.
Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) today announced that Group Chief Executive Officer Roy Bagattini will retire at the end of September 2026, after more than six years of distinguished service to the Group.
Following significant progress in the strategic repositioning of WHL, and given Roy’s pending retirement, the Board and Roy believe that now is the optimal time to transition leadership as WHL builds on its strengthened foundations and growth prospects. This follows a period of careful consideration by the Board, and forms part of a long-planned leadership succession.
Under Roy’s stewardship, the Group has materially strengthened its capital allocation disciplines and fundamentally enhanced its long-term growth and value creation prospects. This included the transformational disposal of David Jones, the deleveraging of the Group’s balance sheet, increased investment in the company’s core South African assets, the acquisition of Absolute Pets, the launch of Woolworths Ventures and the Group’s first-ever share buyback programme. He has also overseen the repositioning of the apparel businesses in both South Africa and Australia, improving their longer-term competitiveness. Beyond strategy and performance, Roy’s passion for the Woolworths brand and its people, has been a hallmark of his leadership.
Roy Bagattini said: “Leading Woolworths has been one of the great privileges of my career. We have an exceptional team and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. I leave confident that Woolworths is well placed for the future and wish Sam and the leadership team well as they take on the exciting challenges of this next important chapter for Woolies.”
The Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Roy for his contribution and commitment to the Group.
Following a comprehensive succession process, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of an internal successor, Sam Ngumeni, as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026. Sam has been with the Group for almost 30 years and is currently CEO of the Food division.
Sam has an exemplary track record. Since assuming leadership of the Food business, he has led the division’s continued above-market performance and further strengthened its market-leading position in premium food retailing in South Africa. In his previous role as Group Chief Operating Officer, Sam had overall responsibility for a number of the Group’s key functions in South Africa, other African operations, and Australia, with overall accountability for Stores; Online; Supply Chain; IT; Data & Analytics; Real Estate; and the Rest of Africa division. His deep operational expertise, strong institutional knowledge and broad leadership experience position him well to lead the Group in this next phase of its strategic journey. Chairman Clive Thomson said: “Sam has extensive experience across various roles and functions within the Group and a proven ability to set clear strategic priorities and execute effectively against these. He is a principled and highly respected executive, able to inspire and empower leadership teams to deliver on key strategic and operational initiatives across our businesses. His deep institutional knowledge, commercial acumen, and strong capability to drive performance will be invaluable as the Group further intensifies its execution in a rapidly evolving retail environment.”
To ensure continuity, Roy will step down as Group CEO and executive director on 31 May 2026 and will work closely with Sam until his retirement.
Incoming Group CEO Sam Ngumeni said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Group CEO of this iconic company, and one which is held in such high regard. I feel a profound sense of responsibility in leading this business in the next phase of its growth trajectory, and am truly excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for us.”
The WHL Board said it had full confidence in Sam’s leadership of the WHL Group into the future.
Woolworths South Africa’s flagship sustainability initiative, Farming for the Future (FFF), has been independently recognised as a world leading retailer led sustainability standard, following the completion of a PhD study conducted at Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
The thesis, titled Between Sustainability Crises and Market Responses: A Critical Analysis of a Retailer-Led Voluntary Sustainability Standard and Its Role in Environmental Upgrading, was conducted between 2021 and 2025 by Catherine Mazhandu at Coventry University’s Research Centre for Arts and Creative Cultures, under the supervision of Professor David Bek. Funded by the United Kingdom Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund, the study represents the first comprehensive, independent academic review globally to evaluate a retailer led sustainability assurance programme of this nature.
The research confirmed that FFF delivered measurable environmental improvements, strengthened producer resilience, and reinforced long-term supply security without depleting natural resources such as soil and water.
“This independent study affirms what we have seen through our partnerships with farmers, since we introduced our FFF programme seventeen years ago. It demonstrates that environmental stewardship and commercial resilience go hand in hand,” says Latiefa Behardien Woolworths Foods Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer. “FFF is not only helping to restore soil health, improve water management and protect biodiversity, but it is enabling our suppliers to recover faster from climate shocks, sustain production, and maintain the high quality our customers expect. The findings validate our long-term commitment to science based, regenerative farming practices and collaborative investment with our producers,” added Kobus Pienaar, Woolworths Foods Technical Manager and Farming for the Future expert.
Lead supervisor Professor David Bek said: “Farming is becoming tougher everywhere as droughts, extreme weather and other climate‑related pressures intensify, and this study shows that long‑term partnerships between retailers and growers can strengthen supply chains and protect ecosystems. I’ve been researching this programme for 15 years and what stands out is the genuine, sustained impact it’s having on South African agriculture.”
The study adopted a multi-pronged methodology combining quantitative and qualitative research. It analysed sixteen years of programme data from Woolworths’ Top 30 suppliers to assess environmental performance trends. This was complemented by a producer survey distributed to 115 suppliers (with 68 responses), field visits to observe FFF audits, and in-depth interviews with Woolworths management, producers, and industry and government representatives.
“The study gave us a rare opportunity to examine the supply‑chain relationships behind everyday produce. But what makes this research especially important is that Woolworths opened the programme up to full independent scrutiny – something retailers almost never do. Our analysis shows steady, meaningful improvements that really matter on the ground,” said Catherine Mazhandu PhD candidate.
The study concludes that Farming for the Future demonstrates how retailer led sustainability standards can drive environmental upgrading while strengthening economic performance and supply chain resilience. The findings provide valuable insights not only for Woolworths but for corporate and public decision makers globally seeking effective responses to climate and sustainability challenges in food systems.
HIGHLIGHTS
Commenting on the results, WHL Group CEO, Roy Bagattini, said: “Our first half results reflect the significant progress we have made in our strategic initiatives and demonstrate that we are clearly and deliberately shifting the trajectory of our businesses. I am confident in our ability to deliver against our commitments, and deliver an improved performance for the full year, and beyond, as we continue to enhance our Group’s value creation prospects and profile.”
GROUP PERFORMANCE
The Group’s interim results reflect the ongoing progress in various strategic initiatives, with improving performance in the apparel businesses and continued above-market growth in the Food business. This is notwithstanding a constrained trading environment across both geographies. Against this backdrop, the Group delivered pleasing and above-inflation turnover and concession sales growth for the period of 5.4%, and 6.1% on a constant currency basis, with positive sales growth in all segments of the business.
Gross profit margins have, however, been under pressure, due to a combination of long-term capacity investment, targeted price investments, the stronger growth of lower margin channels and categories, and increased promotions to clear excess inventory in the apparel businesses. Profit growth was constrained by the strength of the rand, in addition to weaker currencies in some of the African markets in which we operate. Expenses were well controlled to ensure positive profit growth for the half.
Adjusted earnings before interest and tax (“aEBIT”) increased by 2.5% on the prior period, to R2.9 billion, whilst adjusted earnings before interest and tax, depreciation and amortisation (“aEBITDA”) increased by 3.2% to R4.6 billion, reflecting the impact of the investment in the Group’s various strategic and growth-enabling initiatives. On a constant currency basis, aEBIT and aEBITDA were up by 4.1% and 4.2%, respectively, with adjusted diluted earnings per share up by 3.8% to 170 cents per share, on the same basis.
Pleasingly, cash earnings improved significantly, achieving a cash conversion ratio of 110% in the half.
Disciplined capital allocation allowed the Group to repurchase 6.9m shares at a weighted average share price of R51.23 over the half, maintain a robust balance sheet, and pay an interim dividend of 118 cents per share, 10.3% higher than that of LY, with a sector-leading payout ratio.
WOOLWORTHS
Woolworths South Africa delivered above-market turnover and concession sales growth of 6.8% for the period, notwithstanding relatively subdued consumer confidence and spend, and despite the easing inflationary and interest rate environment.
WOOLWORTHS FOOD
Woolworths Food delivered another strong performance, with turnover and concession sales growth of 7.0% and 5.2% on a comparable-store basis, and consistent month-on-month market share gains. This performance is supported by the business’s unmatched expertise in food science and technology, its best‑in‑class cold chain, and its unrivalled quality, innovation, and sustainability credentials – core fundamentals that continue to set the Foods operation apart.
Revenue through Woolies Dash, the Group’s on-demand platform, grew by 23.0%, with the online channel now contributing 7.2% to SA Food sales. The business is also delivering even greater convenience to customers through “Woolies After Dark”, making Woolworths Food shoppable until midnight in more than 70 locations.
The successful expansion of the Midrand distribution centre (“DC”) is well-progressed, albeit the impact of increased depreciation from this investment, along with an increase in operating expenses from investments in growth initiatives, moderated operating profit growth to 3.5%. aEBITDA, however, increased by 7.0%, in line with topline growth. Pleasingly, return on capital continues to be best-in-class at 41.0%, notwithstanding the investments we have made in growth and growth-enabling initiatives.
WOOLWORTHS FASHION, BEAUTY AND HOME (“FBH”)
FBH achieved sector-leading total and comparable sales growth of 6.2% and 6.4%, respectively, and ongoing market share gains, supported by improved product availability. This was largely as a result of the significant investments that have been made in transformational Value Chain initiatives over the past three years, enabling multiple capability shifts across the organisation and fundamentally enhancing execution. Home and Beauty delivered strong sales growth of 14% and 8.9%, respectively, with both businesses gaining market share over the period.
Gross profit margin was impacted by the price investment in Kidswear and the clearance of excess inventory emanating from the prior period’s DC transition. Further, forex adjustments from a stronger rand had a material effect on profit growth for the period. As a result, and notwithstanding strong cost control, aEBIT increased by 1.0% to R771 million and aEBITDA increased by 4.5% to R1.2 billion. Excluding the impact of forex, aEBIT and aEBITDA would have been 4.6% and 6.7% higher than that of last year.
WOOLWORTHS FINANCIAL SERVICES (“WFS”)
WFS continues to perform well, delivering a strong underlying result. The WFS book increased by 1.8% on a year-on-year basis to the end of December 2025 and increased by 2.6% when excluding the sale of part of the legal book. This was driven by disciplined focus on quality growth through both new accounts as well as credit limit increases on existing accounts. The annualised impairment rate for the six months ending 31 December 2025 was 6.4% – the healthiest in the sector.
COUNTRY ROAD GROUP (“CRG”)
In Australia, the prolonged discounting in a high-cost inflationary environment continues to exert further pressure on retail footfall and spend. Against this backdrop, CRG delivered an improved result from that of last year, benefitting from the repositioning of the brand portfolio and the successful restructuring of CRG’s operating model which continues to be embedded in the business. Sales grew by 2.3% and by 2.5% on a comparable-store basis, but gross profit margin was under pressure due to higher promotional activity and deliberate initiatives to clear excess inventory. Expenses, however, were maintained in line with last year despite the higher cost-of-doing business, resulting in adjusted operating profit of A$14.8m being 4.2% higher than last year.
OUTLOOK
Looking ahead, while the South African macroeconomic environment is showing positive early signs of recovery, inflationary pressures in Australia and the subsequent recent interest rate hike is likely to further weaken consumer confidence in the country, tempering any recovery in Australian retail spend. Notwithstanding this context, the Group has clear strategies and a strengthened operational foundation, reinforcing confidence in the business’s ability to deliver an improved full‑year performance and sustained growth beyond that.
READ THE FULL INTERIM RESULTS VIA THE SENS ANNOUNCEMENT
Since its introduction last year, Woolworths’ MyDifference loyalty programme has marked a significant shift in how the retailer rewards, engages and builds long-term relationships with its customers, moving beyond traditional points-based loyalty to a more personalised, transparent and insight-led model.
Evolving from the long-running WRewards, which the brand ran for more than 20 years, MyDifference reflects a strategic rethink of loyalty at Woolworths. It combines digital innovation, data-driven personalisation and purpose-led giving into a single, seamless platform that delivers enhanced value for customers while supporting sustainable business growth.
The programme reinforces Woolworths’ customer-first philosophy, using customer insight to shape more relevant rewards and experiences.
At the heart of MyDifference is the creation of a more unified and accurate customer profile, bringing together data from WRewards, MySchool, Woolworths Online and, where relevant, Woolworths Financial Services. This marks an important step in addressing challenges associated with legacy profiles, giving customers greater visibility and control over their details via the Woolworths app, while laying the foundation for stronger, more trusted customer relationships over time.
“MyDifference allows us to tap into the depth of insight within our customer base and turn that understanding into real value,” said Charlene van Zyl, Customer and Loyalty Director at Woolworths. “By listening more closely to our customers, we’re able to build stronger relationships and deliver rewards and experiences that are genuinely aligned to their needs and preferences.”
Loyalty, reimagined
MyDifference brings together the strongest elements of WRewards and MySchool My Village My Planet into one unified loyalty ecosystem, allowing customers to earn more while continuing to support causes that matter to them.
A defining feature of the programme is its emphasis on transparency and visibility, particularly around giving. Through the enhanced Give Back feature, customers can clearly see how their everyday shopping contributes to the schools and organisations they support.
“While MySchool enables substantial annual giving, customers haven’t always been able to see the results of their support,” said van Zyl. “MyDifference addresses this by providing ongoing visibility into contributions, helping to build trust and reinforce the value created through everyday shopping.”
New features, greater value
Designed around simplicity, engagement and relevance, MyDifference offers customers more ways to benefit every time they shop. Key features include:
Together, these features create a loyalty experience that is more rewarding and distinctly personal.
Digital at the centre
Digital engagement underpins the MyDifference model, with the Woolworths app acting as the main channel through which customers interact with the programme. This approach enables easier access to rewards, clearer visibility of benefits and greater convenience across shopping journeys.
The shift towards a predominantly digital format supports Woolworths’ sustainability objectives. Customers without access to smartphones can still request a physical card but app usage is encouraged as the most efficient and environmentally responsible option.
Unlocking growth through insight
Beyond customer rewards, MyDifference plays a central role in Woolworths’ long-term growth strategy by enabling more agile, data-led decision-making.
“MyDifference allows us to understand our customers at a much deeper level and respond faster to their needs,” said van Zyl. “Over the past year, we’ve implemented a personalisation engine that has already significantly increased engagement by making offers more relevant and better timed.”
Backed by a loyalty base of over 3.4 million active members, Woolworths has a strong foundation from which to expand MyDifference and accelerate the delivery of more individually relevant customer experiences.
“MyDifference has been built around our customers and how they want to engage with us. By combining scale, insight and purpose, the programme allows us to create more relevant value today while creating a more resilient business for the long term,” concludes van Zyl.
This Easter, Woolies invites everyone to celebrate their version of happiness with their most-loved Easter rituals… That quiet moment before the magic begins, full tables and family traditions, sharing meals, outdoor adventures, and the sweetest treats.
While traditions and rituals may not look the same for everyone, you can be sure that Woolies has everything to elevate every kind of Easter experience. Turn ordinary moments into magical memories, with these Woolies Easter must-haves:
The Cutest Easter Fit
It all starts with a super adorable Easter outfit to ensure the little ones are on theme for the weekend.
This year, Woolworths has collaborated with beloved Dutch brand Miffy, introducing an exclusive range for babies. The Miffy Sleep Sack is a sweet staple for newbies, while the Miffy 2-pack PJ Set offers a cosy option for your baby, and is sure to have everyone swooning over your Easter bunny. Thoughtfully designed, these Miffy pieces are perfect for Easter weekend comfort.
Easter Treats for Everyone!
A range of sweet treats, including all your traditional Woolies favourites, will ensure you’re hunt-ready and serve as the ultimate reward for Easter celebrations. You can indulge knowing that 100% of Woolies’ chocolate is made using responsibly sourced cocoa, in keeping with the Farming for the Future initiative, which benefits both farmers and the planet.
Make room for something new this Easter, as Egg Joyables will steal the spotlight. Pairing smooth milk chocolate with a rich, creamy mousse filling, they are a must, as are the candy‑shelled Dark Hens Eggs.
A candy-coated milk chocolate Duck Egg is the ideal super-sized surprise, and for a little bit of everything in one delightful package, the Easter Treat Box gives you variety with 2 x Marshmallow Eggs, 2 x Hens Eggs and a treat-sized serving of multi-coloured Fantastical™ Eggs.
For an extra special Easter for the kids, add a few unexpected gems, including the Fantastical™ Egg and Large Bunny soft toys.
Own Your Turn to Host
Nothing fires up a South African Easter weekend like a braai. Grab all the hottest essentials with the Jan Braai range, exclusive to Woolies, including the Jan Braai Grid and Tongs.
Set the scene for a family feast, with Woolies’ sought-after homeware items, like the 3 Hole stitch Tablecloth in crisp white, complemented by a gorgeously rustic Woodlands Dinner set. Level up lunch with the Cast Iron Roaster in a trendy sage green for that quintessential Easter roast and elevate your post-meal sweetness by serving it in a gorgeous Cloche with Base.
This Easter, Woolies is making sure that you and all your loved ones have everything you need to bask in your happy place – creating meaningful moments, full hearts and magical memories.
Everyone’s happy place looks a little different, but it always feels the same.
Explore the Easter offering online at https://www.woolworths.co.za/ or shop at selected Woolworths stores.
Woolworths is proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind heritage collection, created in collaboration with local luxury brand MaXhosa Africa, founded by Laduma Ngxokolo. The exclusive range brings together two iconic South African brands – Woolworths and MaXhosa – in a timeless celebration of culture, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Rooted in African tradition and refined through contemporary design, the Woolworths x MaXhosa Lifestyle range reimagines everyday luxury for the modern home. Each piece blends MaXhosa’s signature Xhosa-beadwork inspired designs with the exceptional quality and craftsmanship synonymous with Woolworths. From distinctive patterns to premium lifestyle accents, it’s a collection made to gift, share, and cherish. Crafted locally. Loved globally.
Key products:
This collection offers the perfect gifts to inspire – for a loved one or for yourself. Each piece is thoughtfully curated with a focus on style, sustainability and reusability – the perfect way to elevate the everyday and redefine the art of gifting.
Available in cream and black. Keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, or cold for up to 12 hours.
Locally designed, versatile and practical. Keeps food fresher for longer – perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings, with a luxurious touch.
Woolworths’ award-winning extra virgin cold pressed olive, hand-harvested in the Nuy Valley, Worcester, using a blend of Coratina and Frantoio olives delivering complex flavours and aromas. As part of our commitment to sustainability, the ceramic bottle can be re-purposed and refilled with your choice of Woolworths olive oil.
WCafe Organic Ground coffee blend is a rich, well-rounded blend of Honduran and Ethiopian Yirga Cheffe coffee beans; 100 % Arabica, medium roast. Presented in a beautiful re-useable tin, refill it with your favourite Woolies ground coffee or beans.
Discovered in Cederberg, Western Cape over 200 years ago, Wupperthal Rooibos has a smooth, slightly sweet flavour with hints of caramel and vanilla, and it comes in a beautiful, reusable container.
A traditional South African favourite, this Dombolo kit includes the mix and recipe instructions to make your own soft and fluffy steamed bread. Perfect alongside a hearty stew or curry.
Handcrafted and locally made – the most distinguished way to carry your wine this festive season, and a fabulous host/ hostess gift.
Available in black and green, these beautifully patterned and locally made bags will elevate a gift of a bunch of flowers or bouquet into something extra special.
An exclusively curated bouquet featuring rich local flora, meticulously arranged to celebrate colour, pattern and shape.
A striking handcrafted planter with specially selected aloe plant, that complements its sculptural form.
The Woolworths x MaXhosa Lifestyle collection captures the heart of giving – thoughtful, beautiful and proudly South African. Designed to take the art of gifting to the next level, every detail reflects the creativity, craftsmanship and quality that define both Woolworths and MaXhosa. This is a collection that honours the connection between culture, home, and each other.
“This collaboration has been a wonderful opportunity for us,” says Laduma. “Partnering with an iconic South African brand like Woolworths made complete sense, as we share so many of the same values around quality, sustainability and celebrating homegrown provenance,” he adds. “The range is significant because it features more functional products than artistic expression, providing people with another way to experience our brand in spaces they interact with daily.”
The limited-edition Woolworths x MaXhosa Lifestyle range will be available exclusively at selected Woolworths stores from 25 November 2025.
The 37th edition of the prestigious World Cheese Awards took place from 13 – 15 November in Bern, Switzerland. Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, a British organisation dedicated to celebrating artisan food and drink, the competition has been spotlighting exceptional cheese producers from around the globe since 1988.
With over 5,000 cheeses from nearly 50 countries, the World Cheese Awards is widely regarded as the most distinguished event in the global cheese calendar. Once again, Woolworths’ exceptional range stood out among the winners, reaffirming its position as a leader in quality and innovation. Of its 20 submissions, Woolworths suppliers proudly took home 10 awards – 5 Bronze, 1 Silver, 3 Gold, and even more impressively, a Super Gold award – a momentous accomplishment.
A World-Class Judging Panel
Event organisers curate an international judging panel of over 200 leading cheese experts – a balanced mix of technical experts, chefs, buyers, acclaimed food journalists, and passionate connoisseurs, including prominent industry names like Giles & Charlie Barber (Barber’s Cheese), Jason Hinds (Borough Cheese Company) and Cathy Strange (Whole Foods Market).
Suzy O’Regan, Woolworths’ Product Development Manager for Central Sensory Quality, celebrated her 15th year as a judge at the awards, this year stepping into the role of team coordinator. Suzy also brings eight years of experience as a Supreme Judge – one of the select few entrusted with choosing the World Champion Cheese. “It’s such an honour to be part of the judging panel for this prestigious event, alongside some of the loveliest, most knowledgeable and passionate people in the industry,” she said.
She was joined this year by Woolworths’ Product Developer for Dairy, Caryn Albers, who served as an assistant judge.
The Judging Process
Judging at the World Cheese Awards is meticulous and transparent. Each cheese is tasted blind, with no indication of its name or producer until the end.
The judges, divided into teams of two or three and led by a team coordinator, assess the appearance of the rind and paste, the aroma, texture, mouthfeel, and most importantly, the flavour of their allocated cheeses. Teams award bronze, silver, and gold medals and nominate one standout cheese per table for Super Gold consideration. Trophies are also presented for various special categories such as “Best Artisan Cheese”, “Best Raw Milk Cheese” or “Best Female Cheesemaker”.
The Super Gold winners then undergo a second round of tasting by a Super Jury of 14 internationally recognised experts. Each juror selects their standout cheese to advance to the final, where all 14 are tasted live on stage. After being scored from one to seven points, the cheese with the highest total is crowned World Champion Cheese. This year, the winning cheese was the Super Gold carefully selected by the team Suzy led, highlighting her expertise and ongoing commitment to excellence.
Proudly South African Wins
Following this rigorous process, Woolworths’ cheeses, made in close collaboration with its trusted and dedicated local cheesemakers earned a host of accolades.
Bronze awards were received for cheeses produced by Klein River, Fairview and Lactalis, including its Klein River Havarti, Klein River Oak Smoked Stanford, Lactalis 10 months matured Gouda, Lactalis 20 months matured Gouda and Fairview Paarl Rock Brie – a phenomenal accomplishment for a brand-new cheese, exclusive to Woolworths. The Klein River Gruberg Vintage 12 months matured earned a Silver, and three other Woolworths-exclusive creations – the Fairview Chevre Roue, Dalewood Fromage Huguenot and Klein River Gruberg 6 months matured – each secured a Gold.
An even greater honour was attained as Dalewood Fromage Boland cheese scooped a coveted Super Gold Award. Woolworths have been in partnership with the master cheesemakers at Dalewood for 25 years, and remains the exclusive retailer for Boland, so it was a proud moment for all involved. This semi-hard, washed-rind cheese, made in the style of a Port Salut, delivers a mild, savoury-sweet flavour and a smooth, velvety texture. This accomplishment is among many Super Gold honours Woolworths’ cheeses have earned over the years, reflecting the strength, consistency, and craftsmanship of its cheesemaking partnerships.
“I’m incredibly proud of Woolworths’ unwavering commitment to delivering cheeses of the highest quality”, Suzy commented. “Woolworths remains dedicated to collaborating with top-quality cheese producers, and our cheesemakers and partners are the true heroes behind these wins. Their expertise, drive for continuous innovation, and passion help us ensure that Woolies’ award-winning products continue to delight both everyday cheese lovers and gourmet enthusiasts alike. We are extremely proud of our team and suppliers whose hard work made this achievement possible”.
This Valentine’s Day, Woolies invites you to celebrate your loved ones with meaningful gestures, appreciating that “Love is in the little things.” Woolies has curated a thoughtful collection of beautiful gifts, gourmet treats, and stylish essentials across food, beauty, fashion, and homeware to help you find a way to show that you care.
Gourmet indulgence
The food offering is focused on indulgence with a conscience. True to the message MADE WITH LOVE, Woolies guarantees that 100% of its chocolate is made from responsibly sourced cocoa, a commitment that supports better livelihoods for farmers and protects the planet.
Take your pick from:
The perfect bouquet
Woolies’ fresh flowers are locally grown and nurtured to last, with a freshness guarantee. Our stunning horti range is sourced via our Farming for the Future programme, which promotes sustainable farming practices that conserve water and biodiversity.
Signature arrangements to look out for include:
Beauty that cares
Give the gift of self-care and pampering with Woolworths’ luxurious, ethical WBeauty range, featuring makeup, skincare, and fragrances. The collection is centred around promoting SELF-CARE WITH LOVE, giving customers the confidence that all WBeauty products are proudly endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty.
Choose your favourite:
Stylish essentials in homeware
Set the scene for romance with elegant tableware, luxurious linens, and comforting home fragrances designed to be cherished beyond the occasion.
Fashion for every occasion
Our fashion collection offers enduring quality, comfort, and style, with ranges spanning 100% responsibly sourced sleepwear and contemporary apparel.
The offering includes:
Raise a glass to love
Make a toast with the help of an exclusive selection of wines and bubbles, courtesy of WCellar:
Alternatively, you could let your loved ones choose their own gift with our Woolworths Gift Cards. View the entire Valentine’s Day collection in-store at selected Woolworths locations and online at https://www.woolworths.co.za/.
As the world marks 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, stories of resilience, empowerment, and second chances take on an even deeper significance. Few stories embody this more meaningfully than the journey of AMAZI, a social enterprise that began with the aim of equipping young black women with skills that no one could ever take away from them.
When AMAZI first opened its doors a decade ago, it was with one simple but powerful mission; to help young women unlock their potential. Now, as they celebrate their ten-year anniversary, AMAZI operates 40 nail bars within Woolworths stores, employing over 150 women across the country. The company has trained more than 2,500 women with skills that not only enable them to work in the beauty industry, but also to potentially run their own businesses.
Founded by Divya Vasant, an economist, and Lisa Mgcotyelwa, a seasoned beauty industry professional, AMAZI started with just five women, borrowed nail polish, and a dream to make beauty more accessible and impactful.
“What we knew for sure is that when a woman is given the opportunity to earn, the ripple effect is extraordinary,” says Divya Vasant Co-founder of AMAZI. This ripple effect is particularly evident, and powerful, when considering who AMAZI women are. Most of the women in AMAZI’s ecosystem are between 19 and 35 years old, almost 80% are single mothers, about 97% did not complete school, and 90% are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). “For our women, the beauty industry isn’t just a job opportunity. It represents safety, offers stability, restores dignity, and often serves as a lifeline.
“Partnering with Woolworths gave us the opportunity to scale our business without losing sight of our mission to offer customers convenient, high-quality beauty services, while creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for women, many of whom are GBV survivors rebuilding their lives,” continued Vasant. “It’s a true partnership, one grounded in shared values and collaboration.”
Gender-based violence in South Africa is deeply connected to women’s economic vulnerability. Survivors often remain in harmful circumstances because they lack financial independence, skills, and options. This is where AMAZI’s partnership with Woolworths is transformative; women are equipped with skills to generate a sustainable income, safe work environments, an emotional support network and a sense of belonging through the AMAZI community.
“Working closely with AMAZI to help scale their business and broaden their impact amongst unemployed women has been deeply fulfilling. We have seen how this partnership has enabled them to truly deliver on their purpose,” says Woolies Group Head of Sourcing for Fashion, Beauty and Home, Lawrence Pillay. “We are a purpose-led brand that exists to bring quality to life – for our customers, our communities, and our planet – and we are very proud to provide a meaningful platform for social change and job creation through our partnership with AMAZI.”
“Our philosophy is that customers can be investors in social change,” added Vasant. “Every time someone chooses AMAZI, they’re not only helping to fund opportunities for women, they’re investing in South Africa’s future.”
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