Four accolades across multiple formats within two of JDE South Africa’s heritage coffee brands are providing independent recognition of quality across its portfolio, with Jacobs and Douwe Egberts products earning gold and silver honours at two respected taste and quality competitions.
Jacobs Krönung Pure Instant, Douwe Egberts Excellent Gold Nespresso Compatible Capsules (NCC) and Douwe Egberts Ready To Drink Iced Cappuccino each received Gold at both the Aurora International Taste Challenge and the South African Food & Beverage Awards, while Jacobs Vanilla Cappuccino received Silver at both competitions.
In a category with more choice than ever shoppers are increasingly relying on independent recognition to guide what lands in their cup. Whether it is a quick cup before the school run or a slower, more considered brew on a weekend morning, coffee has become woven into the rhythm of everyday life for millions of South Africans, a shift that shows little sign of slowing.
The recognition spans across both JDE South Africa’s established coffee brands and different formats, from Jacobs Krönung’s Pure Instant coffee experience to Douwe Egberts’ NCC and ready-to-drink iced coffee offering. Together the results highlight the breadth of the portfolio and JDE’s focus on delivering quality across different coffee occasions.
Both award programmes are judged by international food and coffee specialists, including Q Graders, a title earned through a rigorous international certification process. Assessments are based on blind tastings measured against established quality criteria, evaluating products independently of brand, packaging and price.
For JDE South Africa the recognition provides an independent endorsement of the work that goes into developing and maintaining quality across its portfolio.
“This kind of recognition across two brands and two independent panels tells us that our investment in quality across the portfolio is paying off,” says Hayley van Niekerk, Marketing Lead at JDE South Africa. “It reflects the craftsmanship behind our coffee, from sourcing through to roasting and shows that consistency continues to matter to South African consumers.”
Douwe Egberts also secured strong results, with Excellent Gold NCC and Ready To Drink Iced Cappuccino both receiving Gold at the two competitions. The recognition reflects the brand’s ability to deliver quality across different formats while remaining rooted in its long-standing coffee heritage.
“Jacobs and Douwe Egberts have both been part of South African mornings for generations, so having our coffees recognised by independent judges means a great deal to the team,” adds van Niekerk. “It is a reminder that the small rituals people build their mornings around deserve to be built on real quality. We are proud that our coffee has earned its place in homes across South Africa.”
As South Africa’s coffee culture continues to mature, moments like this matter beyond the trophy cabinet. They provide consumers with independent endorsement in a category where choice has never been greater. For JDE South Africa the recognition reinforces a longstanding commitment to delivering consistently great coffee experiences and ensuring its brands remain trusted companions in South African homes.