More About Us

About Us in SA

Ostrich farming in South Africa started around 1864 on the fertile soil between the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges. The increasing demand world-wide for ostrich plumes reached its peak in 1913, when a massive population of these birds strutted around the arid, sunny Klein Karoo region. Ostrich feathers were then the country’s fourth largest export earner  after gold, diamonds and wool.

However, poorly co-ordinated marketing, excessive supply of feathers and disruption of exports   because of World War 1 caused a rapid decline and final collapse of the industry. By 1930 the ostrich population had dropped from 770 000 to 23 000. The revival of this industry was initiated by the formation of the Klein Karoo Agricultural Co-operative in 1 945.

The following milestones marked the first steps towards an organised marketing system of all ostrich products:

1947 Regular feather auctions were introduced, paving the way to a more professional approach.

1959 A one-channel co-operative marketing system gave Klein Karoo statutory control over all ostrich products in South Africa.

1964  The first abattoir was erected to facilitate the slaughter and sale of meat.

1970 A modern tannery was established.

1980 Feather processing and marketing interests were acquired.

About Us in the World

Since 1970, a sound marketing channel was established world-wide, with good business relationships formed between Klein Karoo and its clients across the globe.
In October 1993 the one-channel marketing system was abolished and the name changed to Klein Karoo Co-operative a year later.

Our Key Quality Aspects

• It is a red meat which is very low in both cholesterol and calories
• It is almost fat free and is very similar in taste to beef
• It is lower in calories, saturated fats and cholesterol than even chicken, with 0,5% fat and 21% protein content.

These attributes has made Ostrich Meat a healthy alternative to red meat. The distinctly subtle taste and versatility of Ostrich Meat has made it sought after by hoteliers, restauranteurs, home cooks and caterers throughout the world. It is ideal for the modern trend towards lighter cooking and healthier eating.