Ostrich meat exports to Europe increase ten-fold

SA is world leader Anna Cox THE EXPORT of ostrich meat from South Africa has grown over the past few years from 1 000 tons in 1995 to 4000 tons last year. Demand from Europe has increased ten-fold in the last six months because of foot and mouth disease. South Africa earned R170 million last year from exporting ostrich meat to Europe, which takes 90% of South Africa's meat. South Africa today produces 70,6% of the commercial ostrich flock in the world and is currently the world leader - at 72% - of commercial production. Predictions are that demand for ostrich meat and skin products will grow due to the recovering economies of major importing countries and resultant world demands.