The South African Cheese Festival, presented in April this year for the 17th time, was honoured on World Tourism Day as the Festival of the Year. World Tourism Day is commemorated annually on 27 September and, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), creates awareness of tourism's real and potential contribution to sustainable development. 

The 18th South African Cheese Festival from 26 to 28 April 2019 was a huge success according to the organisers, exhibitors and visitors. Everyone agrees: This was the best festival ever. It is not every day that the Dairy Product of the Year and the Gin of the Year visit together at one festival!

The biggest outdoor culinary event in Africa, the 2020 South African Cheese Festival, has been cancelled due to the national ban on gatherings of more than 100 people. The popular festival would be held for the 19th time this year from Saturday 25 to Monday 27 April 2020 at Sandringham outside Stellenbosch.

The Council of Agri-Expo, the organiser of the SA Cheese Festival, has consulted widely with provincial government and other stakeholders over the past week in the face of growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Johan Ehlers, Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Expo, thanked the festival's partners, exhibitors and supporters for their understanding and patience. “The SA Cheese Festival annually provides a platform for cheesemakers and entrepreneurs from across the country to showcase their products to up to 30 000 festival goers. The cancellation of the SA Cheese Festival will have a definite economic impact."

All paid tickets will be reimbursed by Computicket with ticket holders who will be contacted directly by Computicket. The 20th SA Cheese Festival will take place from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 April 2021 at Sandringham outside Stellenbosch. For more information, visit www.cheesefestival.co.za or contact Agri-Expo on 021 975 4440 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Faced with cheap, often subsidised, imports, many local dairy farmers have quit production in recent years.