Giraf Macadamia, South Africa’s creamiest macadamia milk, has been recognised for superior taste and quality, earning multiple accolades at the 2026 South African Food & Beverage Awards (SA F&B Awards) and Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC).
Competing in the Non-Alcoholic Drinks – Vegetable Milk category, Giraf received a Gold Award for its Macadamia with Oats variant, while Giraf Macadamia Milk Original and Giraf Macadamia Milk with Vanilla both received Silver Awards.
The awards are judged through a rigorous double-blind tasting process conducted by independent chefs, sommeliers and food experts. Products are assessed against international standards for appearance, aroma, flavour, texture and overall quality, without judges knowing the brand, producer or packaging behind the entry.
Held in the Western Cape, the SA F&B Awards and Aurora International Taste Challenge brought together leading food and beverage producers, recognising products that demonstrate exceptional quality and taste.
The recognition comes at a time when South African consumers are increasingly seeking plant-based alternatives that combine exceptional taste, nutritional value and ingredient transparency. Trends highlighted during the awards programme point to growing demand for products that prioritise authentic quality, responsible sourcing and products that deliver on their promises.
Founded on the belief that plant-based milk should be crafted rather than manufactured, Giraf has built its reputation around the unique qualities of South African macadamias. The result is a naturally rich, creamy drinking experience that showcases one of the country’s most prized agricultural products while offering consumers a premium alternative to conventional dairy and other plant-based beverages.
According to Philip Moufarrige, Founder of Giraf Macadamia Milk and Managing Director of Ambermacs, the awards validate both the quality of the product and the strength of South Africa’s macadamia industry.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about what they eat and drink. They’re looking for products that offer great taste, quality ingredients and a story they can trust,” says Moufarrige.
“These awards are particularly meaningful because they were earned through blind tasting. The judges don’t see the brand, the packaging or the marketing. They simply experience the product. For us, that’s a powerful endorsement of the quality of South African macadamias and our belief that great plant-based milk starts with exceptional ingredients and careful craftsmanship”.
South Africa remains the world’s leading producer of macadamia nuts, creating a unique opportunity for local brands to develop premium food products rooted in agricultural excellence rather than imported trend culture.
Giraf sources its macadamias from growers situated near its White River facility in Mpumalanga and returns 20% of profits to growers, supporting a supply-chain model aligned with growing consumer demand for ethical sourcing and transparency.
Available in Original, Vanilla, Unsweetened and Macadamia with Oats variants, Giraf Macadamia Milk can be found at leading supermarkets, health food stores and online retailers across South Africa and the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit www.girafmacadamia.com and follow @girafmacadamia on Facebook and Instagram.
About Giraf Macadamia and AmberMacs
Giraf Macadamia Milk sets a new standard in dairy-free, rich, and creamy sustainable milk alternatives. It is proudly produced by AmberMacs, a leading processor of premium macadamia nuts in Mpumalanga.
AmberMacs’ mission is to process sustainably sourced premium-quality macadamia nuts by offering reliable, transparent, and efficient service to its growers, training and education for its employees, and support for the community. Its goal is to meet the needs of its customers worldwide with an excellent product in a timely manner.
AmberMacs products are designed to meet the needs of modern consumers who care about their health and the environment. They strive to set new standards in the food and beverage industry through innovation, sustainability, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
