Shoprite and Checkers Launch Nationwide Search for South Africa’s Best Boerewors
Shoprite and Checkers Launch Nationwide Search for South Africa’s Best Boerewors. Entries have officially opened for the 2026 Championship Boerewors competition, with retailers Shoprite Holdings and Checkers once again inviting South Africans to compete for one of the country’s most recognised food titles.
Now in its 34th year, the annual competition calls on both home braai enthusiasts and experienced sausage makers to submit their best traditional boerewors recipes before entries close on 12 June 2026.
The winner of the competition will receive a new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB AT, R20,000 in cash, and the title of 2026 Boerewors Champion. The winning recipe will also be produced and sold in Shoprite and Checkers stores across South Africa.
Second place will receive R50,000 in cash, while the third-place finalist will take home R30,000.
Over the past three decades, Championship Boerewors has become a popular product among South African shoppers, with the competition focusing on traditional recipes, meat quality, seasoning balance and preparation techniques.
The current title holder, 33-year-old Roberto-Rui Agrela from Paarl, encouraged aspiring entrants to take part in this year’s contest.
Agrela described the experience as memorable and said one of the highlights was meeting people from around the country who share a passion for boerewors making. He also said contestants had the opportunity to learn from both fellow competitors and judges throughout the process.
Participants entering the competition are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the full boerewors-making process, including meat preparation, spice selection, stuffing techniques and cooking consistency.
According to the competition organisers, all submissions will be evaluated by a panel of South African chefs and industry experts. Recipes must comply with traditional boerewors guidelines and competition standards before advancing to the next round.
After the initial review process, judges will select 30 recipes for the shortlist. From there, the field will be narrowed down to 10 finalists who will compete in a live cook-off event to determine the overall winner.
The organisers said the competition continues to celebrate South Africa’s braai culture and the craftsmanship behind one of the country’s best-known traditional foods.
South Africans interested in entering can submit their recipes through the official Championship Boerewors website.
Championship Boerewors Competition Entry Page
