Oudtshoorn (SA) – SA - European Union concerns over the monitoring of residues in South African meat exports - specifically ostrich, crocodile and venison - may lead to a complete ban on the export of SA meat to the EU, according to an article in the Oudtshoorn Courant on Friday.
       It said a ban would also apply to partially cooked meat - which the ostrich industry has been developing to circumvent the ban on raw ostrich meat caused by Avian Influenza.
       A ban would also affect the venison industry, which has been waiting for the EU to lift a 7-year ban imposed because of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
       The EU has just released a report by a team which visited in February last year to inspect the residue monitoring programme run by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF), which checks for the presence of growth stimulants, antibiotics, pesticides and herbicides in game and ostrich meat.
       The Courant said the EU's audit report indicated that the planning, testing and follow-up procedures in DAFF's programme were largely adequate, but that there were shortcomings in the system which put the results in doubt.
       The shortcomings included the use of unsuitable analytical models, the failure to get all samples tested in time, and the failure to test for certain substances.
       Restrictions on meat exports impact significantly on ostrich and game leather, less so on crocodile.

New business opportunities await you at India’s exclusive Footwear, Leather Goods, Leather Garments and Finished Leather Trade Expo on 21 & 22 February, CTICC, Cape Town. The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) proudly presents top class manufacturers including ladies, men's and children's fashion leather and non-leather footwear, sandals and slippers; safety shoes and boots; sports shoes; school shoes; leather jackets and PU garments; small leather goods such as handbags, wallets, gloves, belts, travel bags, key accessories; finished leather; leather shoe uppers; saddlery items to Southern African buyers. Come and view their latest collections aimed exclusively at buyers from chain stores, independent retailers, mini chains, boutiques as well as agents, importers, distributors, manufacturers and other industry decision makers. The event offers you an excellent opportunity to meet reputable exporters from India all under one roof. A great networking platform to explore, look for new suppliers and see what's new and available from India. The exhibitors are all members of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) India who will also be present at the show to provide invaluable assistance and information to South African businesses regarding sourcing from India.
Entry is FREE, but pre-register necessary. Register online at www.urexpo.com.
For further information, call +27 21 790 5849 or email: nthomas@worldonline.co.za

On behalf of the Southern Africa SLTC, we are pleased to invite your corporation to our yearly SLTC conference that will take place on the 26 to 28 May 2017.

        The conference is held yearly to present all aspects that influence the leather industry and offer a networking environment between tanneries and suppliers. This year we have secured papers from first-time speakers Prof Gerrie Swan of the Exotic Leather Cluster and David Ford of the SA Feedlot Association. We also have a paper by the president of the UK SLTC – and old friend of the Southern African leather industry - Steve Trantum, and we have papers by overseas speakers from chemical houses. We are also securing a speaker from a leading tannery machinery manufacturer.

        We would be delighted if you, or any of your management or technicians, can join us during this event.

        The event will be held at La Wiida Lodge, 183 Hennopsriver, R511, Hennopsriver Valley, Pretoria, 0026.

        Please contact our secretary, Nicky Phipps, for details. – [nphipps@telkomsa.net]

Ludwigshafen (Germany) – BASF and Stahl signed an agreement on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 to combine BASF’s leather chemicals business with Stahl Group. The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and the closing is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2017.

        Under the terms of the agreement, BASF will receive a 16% minority stake in the Stahl Group. Furthermore, BASF will supply significant volumes of leather chemicals to Stahl under mid to long-term supply agreements. The transaction comprises BASF’s global leather chemicals business, as well as the leather chemicals production site in L’Hospitalet, Spain. Around 210 positions globally are in the scope of the transaction, of which about 110 are in Asia.

        “This partnership is the right step for BASF’s successful leather chemicals business,” says Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. “With complementary strengths, BASF and Stahl are creating a leading company in leather chemicals with a strong focus on innovation.”

        “Our customers will benefit as together we can leverage unparalleled strength in production, technical expertise, innovation and sustainability along the entire leather-making value chain,” says Dr. Christian Fischer, President Performance Chemicals.