Meatco to export beef sooner than expected

WINDHOEK, 29 JUN  – The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is expected to ship its first consignment of beef to the United States of America (US) by the end of July 2018.
This was said in a media statement issued on Thursday by Meatco Communication Officer, Undamuje Hambira.
According to the statement, Meatco’s Marketing and Sales Executive, Cyprianus Khaiseb revealed the consignment date during the new United States of America Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson’s familiarisation visit to Meatco’s plant here on Monday.
Khaiseb told Johnson that under the US export rules of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Namibia is now eligible to export boneless (not ground) raw beef products such as primal cuts, chucks, blade, and beef trimmings to the US market.
Khaiseb said that the labeling approvals for exports to USA and price negotiations with logistics ship-liners were currently underway.
“Namibia has been waiting for labeling approval to start exporting since its granted access to the American market in 2016,” Khaiseb said in the statement.
During Johnon’s tour, Khaiseb also highlighted the company’s business overview, including the governance at Meatco, composition of revenue, production operations and its corned meat brands like Texan and Eloolo.
He also highlighted Meatco’s strategy in catering for all Namibian producers by being involved in the Northern Communal Area (NCA).
Johnson thanked Meatco’s management for the experience gained.
“I am excited that exports to my country will commence sooner than I anticipated and I look forward to better trade relations between the two countries,” she said.

NAMPA