Commentary,news and information about the global ostrich and crocodile industry. Topics and discussion on leather, meat, animal by-products and agriculture.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Pirma Africa the unique ostrich leather soccer and rugby boot
What is the history of the brand PIRMA?
PIRMA Brazil started production in Mexico in 1990 with one idea in mind: “to be the best”. With over 100 retail stores in Mexico and exporting their world class products to Canada, USA and Costa Rico, makes PIRMA products a sought after soccer and rugby boot for any professional sportsman.
There are 50 soccer playing countries and 34 rugby playing countries in Africa. The potential for PIRMA is huge.What is the international logo of PIRMA?
“THE BRAND OF CHAMPIONS”
Could you identify one distinguishing factor of PIRMA Brazil?
Yes, their ability for product innovation. It is this major factor that we are sharing with the African continent. A South African ostrich leather sport shoe. In addition to this, they have a quick response time and are setting the global standard for the next generation soccer and rugby boot.
What is so unique about the PIRMA products?
The flagship product is made of South African ostrich leather. It is the first time in the history of the game that an ostrich leather soccer and rugby boot is being launched. And what is more exciting about this, is that it will be ahead of the 2010 World Cup which will take place in South Africa. This will be the boot for this Nation from this Nation. We are so proud that the material for this international acclaimed soccer and rugby boot comes from South Africa.
Tell us more about the PIRMA ostrich leather soccer boot?
These flagship products will consist of three bold, yet dynamic colours. These are 1) Green with yellow (gold) ostrich; 2) Yellow with green ostrich and 3) red with yellow ostrich. The boots will be available with studs or the modern blade technology soles.
How would you describe the product mix of the PIRMA Africa?
As far as our knowledge is concerned, it is the first time in the history of the game, that the spectator can buy a look-a-like sneaker (flat sole comfort shoe) as the soccer boot of his hero playing the game on the field. We believe that it will create a new excitement in the sport shoe industry in South Africa.
Our product mix will consist of: 1) the flagship ostrich leather soccer / rugby boot, followed by various high quality synthetic styles and 2) the total sneaker range for the South African Soccer and Rugby public.
How did PIRMA Africa get involved with this innovative soccer and rugby boot concept?
The three South African Directors of PIRMA Africa (Pty) Ltd are working in the ostrich industry and combined have a total of more that 30 years experience in ostrich leather and leather related products. We have been working very closely with our Mexican counterparts and know their superior product quality. PIRMA is a well known brand amongst the South American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chilli, Argentine, Peru etc. and we will see the PIRMA brand in South Africa when these countries play in the 2010 World Cup.What are your future plans for PIRMA Africa?
The short term plans are to become the sport shoe of choice amongst the South African professional sportsmen. We will focus much of our time to introduce the brand into South Africa and the rest of Africa.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
PIRMA AFRICA launches website with ostrich leather football boots
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
South African ostrich farmers receiving more - August 2008
Main ostrich processors in
One of the main reasons for the price increase was to assist the increasing feed and fuel costs on the farm.
Many South African ostrich farmers have stopped ostrich farming due to challenging periods where meat exports were halted twice during the past three years and increasing input farming costs.
Concerns in the market are that the costing will need to be passed onto leather and meat prices at some time. The weakening South Africa Rand has alleviated immediate price increases, but may not be sufficient to hold the increases for much longer.
Source S&V African Leather.
Monday, August 25, 2008
World first ostrich leather soccer boots for 2010 worldcup
Feel free to read more at the following links:
"THANKS to opportunities flowing from the 2010 soccer showpiece, two Nelson Mandela Bay entrepreneurs have teamed up with a Mexican company to produce soccer boots made out of ostrich leather." http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/biz/03_25082008.htm
For more photo's and information visit:
http://www.ostrichemporium.com/ostrichboot.htm
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 2008. EU may again ban South Africa ostrich meat.
However, most of SA’s ostrich meat is exported with the EU its most significant market. Ostrich meat worth more than R1bn, or about 90% of total exports, goes to Europe.
A ban on those exports could damage the industry severely. An agricultural trade specialist, who declined to be named, said SA’s market was not big enough to absorb exports diverted."
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A802746
"Red meat, poultry, honey, milk and game meat had already been banned from the EU countries. Commission spokesperson Marie Antonie Kerwien told the newspaper there were concerns over quality controls at laboratories testing the safety of the ostrich meat." http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?Nav=ns&ArticleID=1518-25_2358263
Questions:
1) Was this poor media interpretation or hype ?
2) Is this just not another way for the EU to keep the European economy afloat by excluding further imports through unrealistic technicalities ? (especially during the economic downturn of 2008).
3) Is South African meat exports standards slipping ?
It will be important for the outcome to be announced with detail and transparency.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
bird flu report April 2008
Bird flu kills boy in Indonesia
04/29/08 10:24 PM, EDT
A 3-year-old boy in Indonesia died from bird flu, boosting the death toll in the country hardest hit by the disease to 108, the health ministry announced Wednesday.
Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/29/indonesia.birdflu.ap/index.html