To be recognised as the top producer of a quality goat’s milk product in South Africa within six months of going into production is no small feat.

This is exactly what Makhado-based Limpopo Dairy managed to achieve when they were announced the country’s top producer of goat’s milk feta cheese during the annual South African Dairy Championships held during the Agri Expo in Stellenbosch in April.

“Many companies who have been in production for many years have never managed to receive such an award. I don’t think we did too badly. Apart from the first place for our Woolworths goat’s milk feta cheese, we also took a third place for our cow’s milk yogurt,” says Mr Tobias Fourie, director of Limpopo Dairy.

It may seem like bragging, but bragging it is not. This is a prestigious award and one that Limpopo Dairy, whose name has become synonymous with quality products in the province, is very proud of.

Limpopo Dairy took the decision to establish a goat’s milk and cheese factory in September last year and went into full production in November of that year. Although trading under the banner of Limpopo Dairy, the goat’s milk factory is run as an independent factory, with its own milking stalls and staff.

“It was a strategic decision. For years, our goats have been an add-on to our business. We reached a point where we had to decide whether or not to incorporate them fully into our business,” Fourie said.

What counted in Limpopo Dairy’s favour was that they already had the raw product and knowledge to set up a goat’s milk factory. As they have been doing business with Woolworths for the past three to four years, they also managed to secure themselves an offset point in the market. At present, all the fresh goat’s milk and goat’s milk feta, cheddar, gouda and yogurt products found under the Woolworths brand in their stores throughout South Africa come from Limpopo Dairy. In addition, some of their goat’s milk products are also found in other national chain stores such as Spar. At present, Limpopo Dairy is recognised as the biggest goat’s milk factory in South Africa.

“What makes this award even more special is that it is a national award. With our cow’s milk products, our focus has always been on Limpopo and the south of Zimbabwe. With our goat’s milk products, our focus is national. It is definitely the market we are targeting to expand our business,” Fourie said.

But what makes goat’s milk products so popular and why are they more expensive than cow's milk products?

“They are more expensive than cow's milk products because they are more expensive to produce. Yet, goat's milk is high in protein and does not contain the enzyme found on cow’s milk that a lot of people are allergic to. The fat particles in goat’s milk are also far smaller than those found in cow’s milk, making it easier for the body to absorb,” explains Fourie.

Depending on the season, Limpopo Dairy milks between 700 litres and 3 500 litres of goat’s milk per day from their herd of 450 Swiss Saanen goats. Of this, 70% is used for the production of fresh goat’s milk and 30% for the production of goat’s cheese and other products.