A Brazilian ostrich abattoir is set to start supplying one of the world’s most renowned ostrich processors with meat and skins. Avestro, based in the São Paulo towns of Araçatuba, Amparo and Laranjal Paulista, has signed an agreement with Klein Karoo of South Africa to supply body and leg ostrich skins on a monthly basis, which will be finished and sold under the Struzzo brand. The meat will be exported to the EU through Klein Karoo .

Avestro was given authorisation to export salted ostrich skins by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Supply last month for what is said to be the first continuous export deal ever for ostrich skin in Brazil. Up to now, Avestro has only exported dyed skins in small quantities.

Under the deal, monthly shipments are set to generate a substantial income.

Giovanni Costa, president of Avestro, said, "The skins are a better deal than the meat on the international market, but we export both. The export price of the skins is similar to that in the Brazilian market but we pay less tax on exports therefore selling the skins abroad is more profitable. Ostrich meat pays less in the international market, but we are forced to export because the domestic market still consumes very little ostrich meat."

Following the agreement, Avestro expects to increase slaughter for export next year.