Hemelhuijs Hedgerow Berry Jam has been named the 2026 South African Preserve Product of the Year, taking the top honour at the second South African Preserve Championships.
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The competition, presented by Agri-Expo, attracted 700 entries from 85 manufacturers, with the winning product announced on Thursday, 27 August, at Eensgezind in Durbanville.
Blind tasting selects winners
A panel of 61 judges assessed the entries through a blind-tasting process, with 113 products from 43 manufacturers ultimately recognised as South African Champions in their respective classes.
Thirteen category winners were selected as the top products in their fields.
“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.”
Organic fruit and small batches
Hemelhuijs was founded in 2009 as a Cape Town inner-city café combining South African heritage with global culinary influences.
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Chef Patron Jacques Erasmus said the preserves are made from organic fruit grown at the business's Jonkmanshof farm in Montagu, where seasonal fruit is produced.
“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.”
Competition grows
The South African Preserve Championships were launched in 2025 to showcase preserving, recognise product quality and contribute to economic development, according to Agri-Expo general manager and competition organiser Breyton Milford.
“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.”
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The 13 category winners were:
• 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
