A Western Cape-based company, AskCarlaKote, has secured a R300 million agreement to export chicken feet to China, a move expected to generate 3,000 new jobs. Chicken feet, known as “walkie-talkies” in both China and South Africa, are a delicacy in China. This cultural preference has significantly benefited AskCarlaKote, which partnered with Wesgro and Standard Bank to finalize the deal.
Wesgro and Standard Bank’s Role
As reported by capetownetc, the deal was made possible through collaboration with Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, and Standard Bank. The agreement aims to deliver 540 tonnes of chicken feet monthly, sourced mainly from women-owned poultry farms in the Western Cape and Mpumalanga.
Carla Kote, the founder of AskCarlaKote, emphasized the deal’s potential to uplift South African poultry farmers and clients. She noted that while recent bird flu outbreaks have caused some delays, the company is optimistic about overcoming regulatory hurdles and plans to send the first test shipment to China before the year ends. The agriculture departments in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape have expressed full support for this initiative.
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander highlighted the agreement as a significant milestone for South Africa’s poultry industry. “This deal is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving economic growth, with its potential to create thousands of jobs and bolster the regional economy,” Stander remarked.
Growing Demand in China
China’s demand for chicken feet remains robust, with approximately 50% of the country’s annual chicken imports comprising this popular delicacy, according to bizcommunity. In China, chicken feet are often used in soups, stews, and as snacks.
Historically, China has sourced most of its chicken feet from Brazil, Vietnam, and the United States. South Africa has had limited poultry exports due to varying international standards. However, with emerging markets like the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area, South Africa’s poultry industry is poised for substantial growth.
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