This gourmet festival, which was held in April for the 11th time, annually lures more than 30 000 dedicated cheese lovers from all around the country.
"This award is an exceptional achievement if one considers the high standard of exhibitions and events in South Africa," says Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo, the agricultural society that has been promoting the image of agriculture in the Western Cape for the past 180 years. "We see this as a feather in the cap of agriculture. The achievement of the Cheese Festival confirms that Agri-Expo is accomplishing its aim to expose the public to agriculture's entertaining and exciting side.
"Naturally it is a big challenge to present an event of such a high standard using temporary structures and in the outdoors." The Cheese Festival moved to Sandringham, Agri-Expo's farm, in 2011 and has to compete with similar events held in the CTICC and the Durban and Sandton International Convention Centres. "This honour proves that Sandringham is successful as a venue - visitors enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the outdoor feel of the event."
According to Ehlers, the number of visitors is not its only criteria for success. "The festival enables artisan cheese makers from the far reaches of the country to present their products to the consumer and simultaneously the visitor experiences the wide variety that the South African dairy industry has on offer - all under one roof."
Representatives of the business world, the media, venue owners and event organisers judged entries to this year's EXSA awards. Criteria includes the quality and visual impact of the event, safety and security standards, client experiences, social responsibility and the optimal utilisation of value adding marketing opportunities.
The SA Cheese Festival also won this award in 2007 and 2009.
The 2013 festival takes place from 26-28 April at Sandringham. For more information, go to www.cheesefestival.co.za.
