25 January 2024
Chicken farmers in the Western Cape and Mpumalanga will benefit from the growing demand for chicken feet in China.
Last year’s outbreak of avian influenza in South Africa delayed these export plans but the first trial shipment is expected to leave the country by the end of the year, says a statement by the Western Cape trade promotion agency, Wesgro.
AskCarlaKote, a Western Cape-based specialised trade consultant, is ready to export 540 tons of chicken feet to China monthly. The annual value will be R300 million and the exports have the potential to create 3 000 jobs in the entire value chain, says Wesgro.
The export agreement was achieved through collaboration between stakeholders such as Wesgro and Standard Bank, while AskCarlaKote played a leading role. The consulting firm specialises in solutions for farmers and clients involved in commodity trading.
An opportunity presented to businesses by Wesgro and Standard Bank played a crucial role in the export agreement. A Chinese company showed interest in importing chicken feet, laying the foundation for a partnership between AskCarlaKote and the enterprise.
Carla Kote, founder of the company, says the agreement with China holds great potential for South African poultry farmers and her clients. “Although we have experienced delays due to the avian influenza outbreak in the country, we are optimistic that we will send our first trial order to China before the end of the year, once all regulatory hurdles have been addressed,” she says.
Standard Bank has committed to supporting the expansion of broiler chicken farmers and abattoirs in the supply chain, and the agricultural departments in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape have also offered their support.
Lebohang Dhludhlu, one of the farmers in AskCarlaKote’s supplier network, said she looks forward to the growth opportunities the export agreement will bring. Another farmer, Khaya Bruwana, says the potential for growth gives her hope for the poultry industry’s future.
Strong demand for ‘delicacy’
According to the statement, demand for chicken feet is strong in China. “About 50% of the country’s annual chicken imports consist of this popular delicacy. Chicken feet are used in soup and stews and are also served as snacks.”
China has historically imported most of its chicken feet from Brazil, Vietnam and the United States. South Africa exports a limited amount of chicken feet due to differences in international standards, according to the statement.
Potential export destinations such as the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and countries in the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area are increasingly promising markets.
International demand for poultry products is steadily rising, especially in countries such as China, allowing for significant growth in the South African industry.
AskCarlaKote is in advanced talks about exporting chicken feet to West Africa and has received a second inquiry from the Asian market.
