In a successful collaboration with Partners in Food Solutions, Côte d’Ivoire-based poultry producer Markegest has upgraded its packaging to meet rising standards in consumer safety and labeling in the country.
In Côte d’Ivoire, a growing middle class has driven the demand for locally produced poultry, resulting in a 21% drop in poultry imports as domestic producers increase their capacity. As local producers like Markegest step up to meet this demand, the country’s poultry sector is undergoing a transformation, prioritizing improved hygiene, quality, and packaging standards.
Markegest, which sells hygienically packaged whole chickens and chicken parts to shops, hotels and supermarkets across the country, is focussed on producing safer, better quality poultry products. The organization emphasizes the importance of high standards across the supply chain, setting a strong example for the industry.
To develop better packaging solutions, Markegest reached out to Partners in Food Solutions, an independent nonprofit organization, which is working to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and increase economic development across Africa by linking corporate volunteers from our world-class food companies to entrepreneurs in African countries.
Through the guidance of volunteers from US flour milling giant, Ardent Mills, Markegest transitioned from basic polythene bags to advanced packaging with a Styrofoam base, providing essential consumer information such as expiration dates, cooking warnings, and product weight. This initiative marks a significant improvement for Markegest as it seeks to elevate local poultry production standards.
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Two experts from Ardent Mills, Meghan Thue, a Product Marketing Manager, and Chase Barton, a Direct Material Buyer specializing in packaging and ingredients, stepped in to lend their expertise through the Partners in Food Solutions program. Megan Thue said: “Ardent Mills encourages employees to volunteer with PFS whenever we have time available, and we are all happy to do so. We enjoy the different projects and supporting other businesses in need across the globe. I asked my colleague Chase to join in to bring in his industrial engineering education and procurement experience.”
The Ardent Mills volunteers not only recommended an enhanced packaging solution but also identified suitable equipment that met Markegest’s budget and regulatory needs, including labeling requirements for “Best Before” dates, “Packaging Dates,” weight information, and cooking instructions. After reviewing the available options, they suggested a cost-effective film wrapping machine – a practical and scalable choice for the growing enterprise.
Thanks to the collaboration, Markegest has successfully implemented the new packaging and proudly reintroduced its improved product to the market, meeting industry standards and enhancing consumer safety and trust.
