Hartlief Group to commence operations at its Mariental Abattoir after two-years hiatus
NAMIBIA – The Hartlief Group, a meat processing company owned by the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, has announced that its Mariental Abattoir, formerly known as Farmers Meat Market, will resume commercial operations in October 2022 after its closure in August 2020.
The processing unit was closed for two years due to the low availability of sheep caused by prolonged drought experienced in the country.
However, an increased demand for Namibian meat, combined with an increased number of animals available in the local market after two consecutive improved rain seasons, spurred the group to reinstate the operation of the abattoir.
The resumption of the abattoir will not only ensure a market for small stock producers with improved price points but also create employment opportunities in the Hardap region, supporting the O&L purpose of ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’.
Günther Ling, managing director of the Hartlief Group, said, “The re-opening and the abattoir is a significant achievement – not only for Hartlief and the O&L Group but for Namibian small stock farmers and the country at large.
“This route to market for Namibian producers allows us to become an international player and export our quality Namibian lamb with pride. This new business will also enable us to better meet the need to become food secure.”
The export abattoir, which currently awaits certification to export internationally, will officially start with local and regional supply, and it is expected to send its first shipment to Norway in November 2022.
Obtaining export status enables the Mariental Abattoir to capitalise on the lucrative, unexplored international market as well as the Southern African Development Community and potentially the bigger African market, which provides great potential and growth opportunities for business and Namibia as a whole.
Its re-opening comes at a time the Beef Value Chain Forum (BVCF), a consortium formed by Namibian beef producers, plans to establish a new beef export processing facility, known as Savanna Beef Processors Limited.
The BVCF was officially inaugurated in 2021 with a growing membership base of over 500 members, with the aim to increase the profitability of cattle producers by creating a world-class brand through local value addition.
To finance establishment of the processing unit, has so far raised a total equity of N$173 million (US$11.62m) from its members, bringing it closer to its targeted N$200 million (US$13.4m) equity.
The organization plans to secure the remaining N$26.432 million (US$1.7m) in equity from institutional investors and to raise the debt-portion needed for the project tagged at N$300 million (US$20.15m).
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