History in the Making: World's first Small-scale ostrich farmers supply their own EU registered Export De-boning plant with bir

14 April 2009

Trial de-boning took place in early January and was a success. Khula Sizwe Small-Scale Ostrich farmers sold 80 birds to IMPEC averaging 107.5 kg with a dressing percentage of 47%. While still in its infancy, there is only room for improvement and growth.

Looking more closely at the future: IMPEC

IMPEC exists to improve and secure the position and economic opportunity of both emerging small-scale and commercial ostrich producers in the Eastern Cape of South Africa by:

Establishing a first-world value-adding and portion packing ostrich meat cutting facility, tannery and leather factory in the Grahamstown area with a passion for professional service and quality;
Creating a conduit to the retail market that currently does not exist for producers;
Economic empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals;
Backing this development with a powerful, broad-based, professional sales and marketing service for produce under one brand name;
Supplying innovative retail products from these communities to established markets locally and in Europe, Asia and America from Southern Africa.

It is an exciting development, bringing change to the Ostrich industry in South Africa that deserves the commitment of all role players. We will be proud of the better future for our nation that emanates from the success of this venture.

This business model is unique for the following critical reasons: It will bring together various existing commercial players in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, including emerging small-scale entrepreneurs that would normally supply their own markets on an independent basis to the advantage of wholesale buyers in Europe, in effect competing against one another. In this new concept we would work together as a team to form the world's 3rd largest supplier of ostrich skins and meats to Europe, Asia, Mexico and America.

It is not an exclusive private venture, (in the same way as previous meat plants have been), designed to take advantage of ostrich producers, but rather a venture where co-operation and co-ownership by all role-players, rather than competition with other players in the production base bring solidarity and stability to the business as a unique approach to global marketing.

The objective roles of stakeholders will be:

To provide a first world ostrich meat product to the European supermarkets;
To facilitate the equitable sharing of profits throughout the value chain, ensuring the chain operates at above average income;
To ensure that every facet of the chain is operating at the most efficient level so production costs are held in check, to maximize profits;
To create a working environment where people are empowered and will use their initiative with a sense of responsibility and freedom;
To facilitate the growth of individuals and entrepreneurs involved in the business as a pathway to self-motivation through adequate, ongoing holistic training;
To identify, manage and mitigate risks in the business, so as to ensure the highest probability of success.

This article is taken from the January/February 2009 Khula Sizwe newsletter on their website: www.khula-sizwe.com

Source: Khula Sizwe Newsletter - January/February 2009