Every year, South Africa’s Rediscover Dairy joins the global celebration of World Milk Day. On 1 June, consumers from thousands of cultures unite in recognising the role of dairy in our daily diets, and its impact on our health and wellness. Dairy is a unique, accessible food providing high quality protein and many other important nutrients. In 2026, the World Milk Day theme, Celebrating women in dairy, puts the spotlight on the women working behind the scenes to help put dairy on our kitchen tables every day.
Helen McDougall
Kay-Marie Swart
Tanya Chicken
From farmers, artisans and food scientists to processors and business leaders, women are playing important roles across the South African dairy industry. Among them is Helen McDougall, CEO of Woodlands Dairy, one of the country’s leading dairy processors and the company behind the popular First Choice brand…
South Africa has a long-standing love affair with dairy, and milk production is one of the country’s largest agricultural sectors. There are well over a million dairy cattle in the pastures, producing more than 3 billion litres of milk annually to meet the needs of South African consumers. In addition, it is estimated that the dairy industry provides employment for around 80 000 South Africans on farms and at dairy production facilities, and many of these are women.
There’s good reason why the South African Food-based dietary guidelines recommend that dairy should be enjoyed every day as part of a balanced diet. From fresh milk and cheese to maas and yoghurt, dairy foods are an affordable source of high-quality protein, calcium and other essential nutrients that support health across every stage of life.
Helen McDougall
From farmers, artisans and food scientists to processors and business leaders, women are playing important roles across the South African dairy industry. Among them is Helen McDougall, CEO of Woodlands Dairy, one of the country’s leading dairy processors and the company behind the popular First Choice brand…
Kay-Marie Swart
South Africa has a long-standing love affair with dairy, and milk production is one of the country’s largest agricultural sectors. There are well over a million dairy cattle in the pastures, producing more than 3 billion litres of milk annually to meet the needs of South African consumers. In addition, it is estimated that the dairy industry provides employment for around 80 000 South Africans on farms and at dairy production facilities, and many of these are women.
Tanya Chicken
There’s good reason why the South African Food-based dietary guidelines recommend that dairy should be enjoyed every day as part of a balanced diet. From fresh milk and cheese to maas and yoghurt, dairy foods are an affordable source of high-quality protein, calcium and other essential nutrients that support health across every stage of life.
