Woodlands Dairy, one of South Africa’s leading dairy producers and the powerhouse behind the First Choice brand, proudly celebrates 30 years of Choosing Good.
Founded in 1995 by visionary entrepreneur, Lex Gutsche, in Humansdorp, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a leader in sustainable, responsible, and innovative dairy production and the region’s largest employer.
Originally established to serve local farmers, many of whom remain trusted suppliers today, Woodlands Dairy expanded into value-added products in the early 2000s with the launch of First Choice.
This strategic move transformed the company into a household name, trusted for quality, innovation, and broad dairy offerings.
The company has made significant investments in technology, processing capacity, and infrastructure, enabling diversification into UHT milk, cheeses, creams, custards, desserts, and high-protein options.
Today, it serves both national and export markets while continuously adapting to changing consumer demands.
According to CEO Helen McDougall, Woodlands Dairy is anchored by five core values: integrity, passion, environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and excellence.
“These are more than guiding principles; they underpin our culture, shape our decisions, and define how we engage with all our stakeholders,” said McDougall.
She emphasised that integrity remains paramount through ethical and transparent dealings across all operations.
Environmental responsibility drives significant investments in biomass boilers, resource recovery plants, sustainable packaging solutions, and circular economy practices.
Inclusivity and respect are central to the company’s ethos.
“We embrace inclusivity within our workforce and the communities we serve. We’re committed to being an equal opportunity employer and actively promote diversity and gender equality across all levels,” said McDougall.
Excellence drives continuous improvement through digitised product development processes and robust sales and operations planning systems.
Woodlands Dairy’s Choosing Good philosophy guides every business aspect, from ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship to employee wellbeing and community upliftment.
Marketing Executive Marisa Maccaferri said, “Choosing Good is a deeply embedded philosophy that guides how we source, produce, and engage, always balancing environmental, social and governance issues.”
The philosophy is reflected in the rigorous ‘Grass to Glass’ Woodlands Dairy Milk Standard, ensuring ethical farming practices and exceptional milk quality, plus investments in clean energy, packaging circularity, and waste reduction.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Woodlands Dairy’s operations.
The company implemented one of South Africa’s first large-scale water recycling plants in the dairy sector, significantly reducing freshwater consumption.
Solar installations and an innovative biomass boiler using plant-based renewable materials have dramatically reduced fossil fuel reliance.
“Sustainability is not something we do on the side. It’s deeply embedded in our operating model,” McDougall explains.
“As one of South Africa’s most progressive dairy producers, we’re proud to be pioneers in sustainable packaging, resource efficiency, and climate-conscious operations.”
Sustainability Manager André Adendorff reports impressive achievements.
“Our total carbon emissions decreased by 4.7% in 2024 to 33,968 tons of CO₂e. Since 2012, we’ve reduced our greenhouse gas footprint by 63.6%. Our product carbon footprint per litre of milk stands at just 92 grams of CO₂e,” said Adendorff.
Following the commissioning of a second biomass boiler in 2024, biomass now accounts for 71.47% of total energy consumption.
The facility achieved zero biowaste to landfill in 2024, with 100% responsibly processed and diverted.
Woodlands Dairy’s most impactful initiative is their Learnership Programme, running since 2012, providing young people from under-resourced Eastern Cape communities with practical experience, skills training and mentorship.
Many learners have secured permanent employment.
The company supports education through bursary programmes, donates dairy products to schools and feeding schemes, supports vulnerable families through soup kitchens, and conducts annual school shoe drives.
Looking ahead, Woodlands Dairy plans regional expansion into Southern, West, and East Africa, global market reach through world-class manufacturing capabilities, category innovation in health-forward and functional dairy ranges, and continued sustainability leadership.
“Thirty years ago, Woodlands Dairy started with a vision to deliver quality dairy while uplifting local communities and caring for our environment. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever,” said McDougall.
“To our employees, customers, and partners – thank you for choosing good with us and building the future of dairy alongside us.”
