OUR STORY

Since 1860, Thompsons keeps its promise of providing families with a healthy, satisfying meal. This legacy is captured in our slogan: For Goodness Sake. The goodness lies in the quality products, characterised by tastiness at affordable prices. Although we are very proud of our history, we continuously look for better ways to create products that satisfy you and help feed our nation. Our Family Value range caters for your everyday needs, while our Selection range is designed for those more special occasions. We understand that your time is precious, so there is something for everyone, at any time and everywhere.

Delivering goodness in the kitchen

At Thompsons Meats, we are passionate about delivering goodness in the kitchen by creating innovative recipes that elevate your cooking experience. Our team of culinary experts and nutritionists is dedicated to crafting dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring that every meal is a delightful experience. By using the finest ingredients and exploring diverse flavours, we aim to inspire and empower our consumers to enjoy cooking at home. Whether you’re looking for quick weekday dinner or indulgent weekend feasts, our recipes are designed to bring joy and satisfaction to every table.

OUR HISTORY

Our purpose is to cater to the nation through providing quality tasty ready-to-eat meat.

Our journey began in 1860 as a proudly South African business, built on a foundation of quality and tradition. Through the decades, we’ve earned a place at family tables and in our community, setting standards in meat processing and creating memories with every product.

1860
It all starts in the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where Thompsons Meats is founded with a simple yet powerful mission: bringing quality meat products to local families.
2010
Founded in 1860, Thompsons Meats starts its journey rooted in quality and tradition—a legacy that still defines us today.
2011
After nearly two years out of the market, we make a bold comeback, reintroducing Thompsons Meats into both formal and informal markets across KZN. Our customers welcomed us back with open arms, and we haven’t looked back since!
2014
We launch Thompsons Family Value, kicking off with our mouth-watering Viennas. They quickly become a household favourite across KZN, bringing unbeatable flavour at a price that makes families smile.
2015
As the love for Thompsons grows, so does our product range. We expand to include cold meats, Russians, and bangers—delivering more of what our customers crave.
2016
We introduce Thompsons Gold, a premium line crafted with only the finest cuts of meat—perfect for those special occasions when only the best will do.
2018
With our customer needs in mind, we develop innovative, convenient packaging for our viennas and sausages—making it easier than ever for families to enjoy our products with single-layer banded packs.
2020
A proud milestone: Thompsons Meats is now available in all major retailers across South Africa, bringing our beloved products to even more families.
2022
Thompsons Meats goes global, expanding into five African countries and growing our presence in major cities, regions, and provinces across South Africa. No matter where you are, we're proud to bring you quality you can trust.
2023
This year marks the exciting relaunch of our premium range—Thompsons Gold becomes Thompsons Selection, offering an array of top-quality processed meats perfect for any celebration, big or small.
2024
In 2024, we reach a meaningful milestone by updating our Thompson’s Family Value packaging. This change is a nostalgic nod to our roots, bringing a fresh look to the products that families have loved and trusted for years.