Chicken feet are set to fly

The first batch of 8,000 “walkie-talkie” cans were trucked to Botswana from Limpopo by cannery Tin Stuf. 

The business was founded in Tzaneen five years ago by Eiren Drake, who grew up eating chicken feet on his grandfather’s farm. He now employs several childhood friends.

Drake’s grandfather, Spencer Drake, co-founded the company.

The company plans to export the chicken feet, in a trademark sauce.

‘We’ve had several queries from different types of entities about the possible distribution and resale of our products in different regions throughout Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East,’ said Drake.

‘The initial shipment of roughly 8,000 units [400g] is due to be distributed to several large wholesalers and retail chain stores throughout Botswana and should be readily available in due course.

‘I have absolutely no doubt in our ability to grow our footprint and expand our operations to cater for this global market in future,’ he added.

Chicken feet are consumed abroad, including in Europe. Drake said the canned product was inspired by local preparation methods and flavours. ‘We also make use of several fresh ingredients to add flavour to our recipe, as opposed to using processed additives,’ he said.

Felix Chauke, who works at Tin Stuf, said: ‘We grew up together on the farm enjoying chicken feet. I never expected him to have a factory that cans them, but there we go with his brilliant ideas! Now we are feeding a nation with chicken feet at such an affordable price. I’m hoping our products go worldwide.’

China may well be a market for exports from South Africa; in 2020 the United States sold $ 460 million worth of chicken feet to China.