ABOVE: A selection of Ladismith Cheese’s products
Sea Harvest Group Limited’s shareholders have been advised of the proposed disposal of its value-added dairy business, Ladismith Cheese Company Proprietary Limited (Ladismith), including its wholly-owned subsidiaries to Woodlands Dairy Group.
Ladismith’s primary business is the production, distribution, marketing and sale of cheese, butter and milk powders to retail, wholesale and foodservice markets in South Africa and Southern Africa.
Woodlands’ product portfolio includes ultra-high temperature (UHT) or long-life milk, cheese, butter, cream, amasi, custard, flavoured milk, extended shelf-life fresh milk, milk powder, dairy desserts, dessert toppings, yoghurt, honey, dips, and ice cream.
Sea Harvest Group CEO, Felix Ratheb, says, “In-line with the strategic objectives presented to shareholders in early 2025, Sea Harvest intends de-leveraging its balance sheet through the disposal of non-fishing assets, and re-focusing on its seafood businesses. We will utilise the proceeds from the disposal to repay a portion of the long-term debt in our South African operation.”
Woodlands Dairy Group CEO, Helen McDougall says, “This transaction aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver high-quality, sustainable dairy products to a growing market. By integrating Ladismith’s established regional presence and expertise with our extensive network, we are well positioned to provide customers with an enhanced and more specialised product portfolio.”
Chairman of Woodlands Dairy Group, Lex Gutsche, adds that the acquisition of Ladismith is extremely exciting. “This transaction will expand the Woodlands Dairy Group’s geographical production facility presence, reaching the full breadth of South Africa, bringing us closer to more farmers and customers. I’m also pleased and indeed proud that this transaction will lead to us becoming the largest wholly South African-owned, black-empowered dairy in the country – a clear testament to our belief in South Africa and its people.”
The transaction is subject to approval by the Competition Commission and is expected to close by the end of Q1 of 2026.