First Choice Logofirst choice logo

Welcome to the First Choice® Family!

Like any family, we have values and virtues that we live by. At First Choice, we believe in always producing high-quality products that everyone can enjoy, including future generations. That’s why we honour our planet by sourcing, producing, and packaging all our products in the most sustainable way possible. We also believe in always striving to be and do better, which is why we are constantly exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Get To Know Us

We are proud of our current range of products available to purchase online which are filled with incredibly delicious goodness!
Products
We believe that the best memories are made around the dinner table, and we love being part of yours!
Love
The goodness of First Choice is simply too good to keep only to ourselves, which is why we export to Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and many other countries.
Locations
woodlands dairy logo

The Bigger Picture

We are proud family members of Woodlands Dairy, based in Humansdorp, South Africa. Woodlands Dairy is a trusted producer of high-quality dairy products and home to all First Choice Goodness. If you’re looking for innovative thinking, speedy product development and excellent customer service, you’re in the right place!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The beginning:
In 1995 we started with only two lines and 15 employees.
The change:
In October 2012, we launched our initial GHG Baseline.
Sustainability:
By June 2013, we launched our Sustainability Project to ensure environmental care.
Trace and Save:
In January of 2014, we partnered with Trace and Save to implement their SWAN system tool, establishing more sustainable innovations.
2015
We received our FSSC 22000 Certification in 2015.
The First Shop:
Our flagship Dairy Shop launched in Humansdorp in 2015, which has morphed into Milk and Bread to give our consumers more products to choose from.
The Biomass Boiler:
In 2016, we implemented the biomass boiler which reduced our HFO consumption by 85%!
Water Safety:
Early 2017 we commissioned our Resource Recovery Plant which reduced the water demand from local municipality by 44% per year.
May 2017
Our first Sustainable Future Booklet is published.
Oct 2018
Two ISO standard certifications were achieved, Health & Safety(ISO 45001) and Environmental(ISO 14002)
Farming for the Future:
In 2018, we introduced the Farming for the Future assessment, which helps farmers to be more sustainable.
2019
We received our ISO 14001 Certification in 2019.
UHT Warehouse:
In October of 2019, we commissioned a new UHT warehouse which can store up to 25 000 pallets.
Oct 2019
Farming for the future(FFF) assessments were done on 6 farms.
Online Shopping:
In May 2020 we launched our online shop, providing consumers with the option of buying our UHT products with a simple click.
Jul 2020
Our new cold storage facility was completed.
Nov 2020
Dairy Standard Association(DSA) Farm audits introduced - 14 Farms passed the DSA audits in compliance to Woolworths Farming for the future requirements, including animal welfare.
Dec 2020
First Tandem lift axle trucks were procured and phased in with forecasted savings of 14% fuel consumption.
Solar System:
In May 2021, a 2.8MWh solar system was installed.
The Honour:
We were honoured to be named the Woolworths Supplier of the year in 2022.
May 2022
ISO 50001 Stage 1 audited - WD ISO 50001 Stage 1 audit was completed and passed, with full certification. Stage 2 audit to be completed during August 2022.
Food

Our Promise to You

We are proudly South African, which means that all of our milk is sourced from South African Farmers who adhere to our Woodlands Dairy Milk Standard. All of our UHT products are commercially sterile, germ-free, and filled with natural goodness. We promise to deliver goodness from our factories to the hearts of Mzansi.

Let’s Brag a Little

1st place
2024 Bloem Show Dairy Championships
1st place
2024 SA Dairy Championships
1st place
2024 SA Dairy Championships
1st place
2024 Bloem Show Dairy Championships
1st place
2024 Bloem Show Dairy Championships
1st place
2023 SA Dairy Championships
1st place
2023 SA Dairy Championships
1st place
2023 SA Dairy Championships
1st place
2023 SA Dairy Championships
2nd place
2023 Qualite Award & SA Dairy Championships
2nd place
2023 SA Dairy Championships
2nd place
2023 SA Dairy Championships

Cultivating a Community of Care

Our main hub is in the Kouga Region, and we're not content with just sitting back in our community. That's why we actively contribute to the Kouga region through our CSI projects and national activations. Giving back to the communities we operate in brings us immense joy because that's the essence of who we are. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make a positive impact!

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