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A handcrafted organic berry jam has taken the top spot among 700 entries from 85 manufacturers at the second annual South African Preserve Championships, presented by Agri-Expo, South Africa’s oldest agricultural society.

Hemelhuijs Hedgerow Berry Jam was named the 2026 South African Preserve Product of the Year on Thursday, 27 August, at Eensgezind in Durbanville.

A panel of 61 judges evaluated the entries through a rigorous blind-tasting process. A total of 113 products from 43 manufacturers were ultimately recognised as South African Champions in their respective classes, with 13 category winners emerging as the best in their fields (see the list below).

“To be named the national Product of the Year in a competition of this calibre is a remarkable achievement, particularly in a market where consumers have such a wide choice of quality products,” said chief judge Susina Jooste, food expert and training specialist.

“Hemelhuijs Hedgerow Berry Jam is exceptional on every sensory level – from its appearance and colour to its deep red berry taste and flavours, rounded mouthfeel, ideal syrup-to-fruit ratio and well-balanced sweet-acidic profile. It is also a versatile product that can be enjoyed as a traditional jam or used to enhance meat dishes and sauces.”

Hemelhuijs: Tradition and Craftsmanship

Founded in 2009, Hemelhuijs is a Cape Town inner-city café where South African heritage is blended with global culinary influences. For Chef Patron Jacques Erasmus, the national award marks an important milestone for the team.

“Our preserves are made from organic fruit carefully picked at our Jonkmanshof farm in Montagu, where we grow and produce seasonal fruit as part of our commitment to sustainability,” he said. “By sourcing directly from the farm, we ensure the freshest ingredients while reinforcing our dedication to a sustainable way of living.”

“Each jar holds a piece of our story – made from family recipes, free from additives and artificial flavours. Handcrafted in small batches using traditional copper jam pans, we focus on single-cultivar preserves to highlight the distinct character of each fruit.

“These aren’t just jars of jam, but bottles of memory and tradition – a tribute to the land, the fruit and the craftsmanship that bring them together. We dream, we cook and we eat well.”

A Platform for Preserves

According to Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo and organiser of the championships, the competition was launched in 2025 to spotlight the art of preserving, recognise top-quality products and contribute to economic development.

“The significant increase in entries clearly shows that there is a need in the industry for this kind of platform,” said Milford. “The results highlight an innovative sector and healthy competition, from established brands to smaller and emerging producers. Congratulations to all the winners.”

Milford thanked the gold partners of the South African Preserve Championships, The Consol Shop – an Ardagh Glass Packaging Company, ClemenGold and Hollard, as well as bronze partner Ecowize and the SA Olive association, for their support.

“This project would not have been possible without strong backing from our industry partners,” he said.

For the full results, visit www.preservechamps.co.za or email charlotte@agriexpo.co.za.

Follow @AgriExpo1 on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn, and join the conversation with #AgriExpo and #SAPreserveChamps.

Thirteen Category Winners Announced:

The following products were named category winners, in alphabetical order:

• Atchar: Miami Mango Atchar in Vegetable Oil Garlic
• Chutney: Peppadew International Woolworths Dhania Chutney
• Curd: Lessing Konfyte & Bakkery Passionfruit Curd
• Fruit in Syrup: Elana’s Preserves Peach Halves in Syrup
• Jam: Hemelhuijs Hedgerow Berry Jam – South African Preserve Product of the Year
• Jellies: PITTIG Sweet Chilli Jelly
• Marmalade: Hemelhuijs Kumquat Conserve
• Olives: Darling Olives Marinated Olives
• Pesto: Pesto Princess Basil & Chilli Pesto
• Pickled Fruit: Lessing Konfyte & Bakkery Curry Peaches
• Pickled Vegetables: Miami Sweet & Tangy Cherry Peppers
• Relish: Creative Cuisine Pantry Tomato & Onion Relish
• Vegetables in Sauce: Ko-Ria Products Three Bean Salad