History Timeline

From humble beginnings:


1915 - Watsons Meat Established

The Watson name has been synonymous with the meat industry in the Southern Cape since then.


1933 - New premises

Moved to a bigger building newly build on the corner of Cradock and Fichat Street.


1954 - Established Meat Factory

In 1954 JJ Watson established the only meat factory in the South-West District. Stretching from the Cape to Port Elizabeth.


1956 - Fleisch Meister Qualified

EC Watson qualifies as Fleischmeister in Germany and receives his diploma.


1966 - Meat Prices

Bacon at 28c L.B - Lamb chops at 37c L.B - Fillet at 55c L.B (the good old days!)


1988 - 4th Generation

In 1988 the 4th generation Watsons enter the meat industry.


1992 - Piggery Established

1992 a new piggery was put in place that today supplies more than 50% of the total pork meat stock.


1995 - Growing Pains

Watsons Cradock processing area doubles in size!


1999 - Shop space doubles

Watsons Cradock shop floor doubles in size!


2000 - York Street Butchery Opens

New building acquired in York street. Business is booming!


2008 - 1st Non-Family Member

Watsons Meat accepts first non-family shareholder into the business in over 100 years.


2009 - Watsons Cradock

Sales floor doubles in size yet again!


2013 – Watsons Cradock

Watsons expand and improved its production areas to comply to Food Safety Audit and Laws as well as the rising demand for its products.

About Us

The Watson name have been synonymous with the meat industry in the Southern Cape since 1915.

Superior quality products and exceptional service are the foundations that ultimately lead to the longevity of this business and brand name.

The business consists of a pig farm , a meat processing factory, cold storage unit and two traditional retail butcheries situated in George. The business has its own fleet of delivery vehicles and distributes its products in the Southern Cape, Little Karoo, Greater Karoo, Langkloof, Tzitsikamma and Eastern Cape.

Watson's Meat offers a wide product range that appeals  to a variety of clients, ranging from luxury hotels and first class restaurants to basic B&B establishments and coffee shops, and from national supermarket chains to informal shops in rural areas. 

Superior quality and exceptional service do not just happen. We believe in disciplined business strategies , consistently investing in technology and employing the best skills, whilst building partnerships with the best suppliers in every field.

Thank you for your interest in our company. Contact us now and find out how our products and services can benefit your business.