Lactalis

Iconic local and global brands

Lactalis South Africa is home to some of South Africa’s most iconic brands, playing in ALL dairy categories.

Our Story

Lactalis South Africa

We are a proud manufacturer of some of South Africa’s quality and trusted brands such as Parmalat, Melrose, Président, SteriStumpie, Bonnita and PureJoy.

We are part of the Lactalis Group – the world’s largest dairy company which was founded in 1933 by André Besnier in Laval in the west of France. The Lactalis Group has 250 production sites with more than 85000 employees in 94 countries.

In South Africa, the Lactalis Group legacy and knowledge merges with local dairy know-how and passion that has provided jobs and wholesome dairy products locally since the early 1900s where our history started with Bonnita and Parmalat.

Lactalis Group acquired a majority share in Parmalat SpA in 2011 and in 2020, the company officially rebranded and became Lactalis South Africa which is a change in name only.

Lactalis South Africa remains home to its strong brands in dairy product categories which range from cheese, yoghurt, milk, and custard, to flavoured milk, cream, drinking yoghurt, maas, fruit beverages, butter and ice cream.

2022

In 2022 a Matured Cheddar (matured for minimum of 18 months) LSA produces for leading retailer Woolworths was named as the South African Dairy Product of the year, the third year running a product made by LSA secured this prestigious award at the annual SA Dairy Championships. The 2022 award is also the fifth time in six years that a product made by LSA has claimed the coveted top prize at the annual dairy event, recognition of the consistent and outstanding quality of products manufactured by LSA.

The winning Cheddar is produced at LSA’s Bonnievale Plant in the Southern Cape’s Breede River Valley. The savoury and fruity cheese is creamy with a slightly crumbly and crunchy texture, and has been matured for a minimum of 18 months.

2021

In 2021 LSA also scooped the top South African dairy award as Product of the Year for a Matured Gouda (10 months) produced for Woolworths. The Gouda, an aromatic and full-flavoured cheese, is made at Lactalis SA’s Ladismith Plant.

2020

LSA claimed the prestigious South African Dairy Championships Product of the Year prize for its Président Extra Mature Cheddar. The cheese is a full-rounded one with a sweet, nutty profile that melts in the mouth.

2019

Parmalat South Africa (the name LSA was previously known as) claimed three coveted Qualité awards, 13 SA Champion accolades and 15 first prizes across dairy categories at the 2019 South African Dairy Championships.

2018

Parmalat SA claimed the prestigious Product of the Year prize for its 10-month Mature Gouda, an aromatic and full-flavoured cheese produced for Woolworths. This was the second year running the company won the top prize for this product.

2017

Parmalat Dairy SA secured the top prize at the 2017 SA Dairy Championships for its Matured Gouda (10 months), an aromatic and full-flavoured cheese produced for Woolworths.

2016

Parmalat SA emerged as the top performer at the 2016 South African Diary Championship with an unrivalled five Qualité and 12 SA Champion awards.

2015

Parmalat was one of the top performers at the 2015 Qualité Awards, claiming three prestigious Qualité awards, while no less than 15 of its products were named as SA Champions in various classes.

2014

Parmalat’s quality products racked up yet another first-class performance at the 2014 SA Dairy Championship, claiming an unbeatable 13 SA Championship awards for a variety of cheeses, yoghurt and butter, as well as a coveted Qualité mark of excellence.