Clover, a name that has become synonymous with quality dairy products in South Africa, has a rich history spanning over 120 years.
From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century, Clover has grown into one of the country’s most iconic food and beverage companies. Its journey has been marked by partnerships, expansions, and strategic decisions that have helped it adapt to changing times while maintaining its core values.
Let’s take a look at Clover’s fascinating evolution and the key moments that shaped it into the powerhouse it is today.
1898: A Vision for the Future
It all began in 1898 when a group of farmers met in Mooi River to discuss establishing a butter factory. This meeting led to the creation of Natal Creamery Ltd, the company that would eventually evolve into Clover.
Despite the lack of legal channels for forming a cooperative at the time, the farmers pushed ahead, marking the beginning of Clover’s legacy in South Africa’s dairy industry.
1899-1903: Early Expansion into Milk Distribution
Joseph Baynes, a prominent figure in Clover’s early history, opened the first butter factory in Natal in 1899. Although it wasn’t officially a cooperative, Natal Creamery Ltd began distributing fresh milk by 1901, entering into a partnership with Baynes.
By 1902, milk was being distributed from Pietermaritzburg, and by 1903, operations expanded to Johannesburg. This was the start of Clover’s move into urban markets, where the demand for fresh milk was growing rapidly.
1923: Clover Becomes a Cooperative
The registration of Natal Creamery Ltd as a cooperative in 1923 under the Co-operative Societies Act was a pivotal moment in Clover’s history. This formalized the company’s structure, ensuring that farmers could share in the company’s profits and growth.
By 1932, the company was operating in 32 centers across the country, cementing its place as a national player in the dairy industry.
1934-1997: Growth and Transformation
In 1934, Natal Creamery Ltd rebranded as National Co-operative Dairies Ltd, a name that would carry the company until its major transformation in the 1990s. The company continued to grow, and in 1994, Clover S.A. (Pty) Ltd was established.
A year later, Clover entered into a joint venture with French dairy giant Danone, a partnership that brought global expertise into Clover’s operations.
By 1997, Clover Holdings Ltd was created to serve as a holding company for Clover S.A., marking another important step in the company’s corporate evolution.
2004-2017: Restructuring and Diversification
In 2004, Clover unbundled from Clover Holdings Ltd, becoming Clover Industries Ltd, a new holding company. This set the stage for Clover’s listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in 2010, marking its growth as a publicly traded company.
Clover also began diversifying its product offerings beyond dairy. In 2013, the company entered the beverage market with the formation of Clover Waters, a joint venture with global brand Nestlé.
This partnership expanded Clover’s portfolio to include popular products like Nestlé Pure Life and Nestea, opening up new opportunities in the sub-Saharan market.
In 2017, Clover ventured into the olive oil market with the establishment of Olive Pride Proprietary Limited. The creation of Dairy Farmers of South Africa Proprietary Limited allowed Clover to further its goal of producing high-margin, value-added products while supporting local dairy producers.
2019: Delisting and Merger with Milco SA
One of the most significant recent developments in Clover’s history occurred in 2019 when the company delisted from the JSE after nine years on the bourse. This move came after the Competition Tribunal approved Clover’s merger with Israeli company Milco SA, a consortium of investors interested in acquiring the iconic South African brand.
On October 15, 2019, Clover officially ceased trading on both the JSE and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), ending its presence on the stock markets. The deal, valued at R4.8 billion, marked a new chapter for Clover as it transitioned into private ownership under Milco SA.
The merger, however, wasn’t without challenges. Concerns were raised regarding potential job losses tied to Project Sencillo, Clover’s plan to streamline its operations.
Initially, the project was expected to result in 516 job losses, but after consultations with trade unions, this number was reduced to 277. The tribunal also introduced stringent conditions to protect jobs, promote local procurement, and ensure transparency in information sharing.
The expected job losses were offset by Project Masakhane, which aimed to create 550 new permanent jobs over five years, ensuring that Clover continued to contribute positively to the South African economy.
Clover Today: A Brand with a Legacy
Clover’s journey from a small butter factory to one of South Africa’s largest and most iconic food companies is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. Over more than a century, Clover has expanded its product range, entered new markets, and navigated significant changes in the business landscape.
Today, Clover remains a trusted brand in households across South Africa, known for its quality dairy products, beverages, and more. As it continues to grow under the ownership of Milco SA, Clover is poised to remain a major player in the South African and global food industries.
Clover’s history is not just about dairy—it’s about innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to its roots. As it looks to the future, Clover’s legacy of quality and trust is sure to endure.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
