FDBusiness.com

New ostrich meat products are performing strongly in Europe, according to the meat division of South African farming business Klein Karoo International. The company is rolling out a range of ostrich lines into supermarkets across the continent.

The company says it is now supplying products including ostrich fillets, steaks, strips, cubes and burgers to multiple retailers in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Scandinavia; and it expects to develop several further European listings.

Johan Stumpf, managing director of Klein Karoo International, says the growth is the result of shoppers becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of ostrich meat. “There has been a rush of interest in ostrich meat in this and other European markets, as consumers focus on making healthier choices when they buy food. These new products are selling extremely well; we’ve seen some stores selling out within a few days,” he says. “Ostrich has less fat, calories and cholesterol than chicken, so it makes an incredibly healthy alternative red meat. And it tastes as good – if not better – than more conventional meats.”

Klein Karoo’s ostrich meat is pre-grilled in South Africa and complies with international import regulations. “This process gives us some added advantages,” adds Johan Stumpf. “It makes the product available 12 months a year, and also preserves the flavour and texture of the meat. It also gives consumers the convenience of a steak or burger that only needs flash frying for a minute on each side before it is ready to eat. Our ostriches are also sustainably reared. This is another important consideration for European shoppers.”

As its European market grows Klein Karoo International plans to support ostrich meat sales with promotional activities in the media and at the point of sale.