Meat from the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has passed a Woolworths food safety audit, securing a Blue Rating as the state-owned meat processor advances plans to expand sales of Namibian beef through local and regional supermarket chains.
The certification comes as Meatco pursues supply opportunities with major retailers, including Woolworths and Shoprite, as part of a strategy to move beyond traditional bulk beef exports and increase sales of consumer-ready products.
Interim Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Albertus Aochamub said the audit outcome demonstrates that Meatco can meet the stringent food safety, traceability and animal welfare standards required by leading regional retailers.
“This Blue Rating is more than an audit result. It is an endorsement of Meatco’s food safety systems, traceability standards and operational discipline. Most importantly, it strengthens our ambition to supply Woolworths with high-quality Namibian beef products and expand the presence of our products in premium retail markets across the region,” Aochamub said.
The audit, conducted by independent auditors AVUTOM Consultants from 10 to 11 June 2026, assessed Meatco’s production processes, food safety systems, documentation, traceability controls and animal welfare practices against Woolworths supplier requirements and South African red meat industry standards.
According to Aochamub, the certification supports Meatco’s shift towards value-added products packaged for direct retail sale.
“The certification supports Meatco’s strategy of moving beyond bulk beef sales towards consumer-ready products in smaller retail packs that better meet customer preferences and market demand,” he said.
The company has increasingly focused on expanding market access and improving returns through branded and value-added beef products rather than relying solely on wholesale exports.
Earlier this month, Meatco confirmed it was in discussions with Woolworths and Shoprite regarding the sale of Namibian beef through retail channels in both domestic and regional markets.
The company plans to introduce smaller family-sized beef packs aimed at supermarket consumers, marking a departure from its traditional model of supplying large bulk cartons to retailers and distributors.
Aochamub said the Woolworths certification forms part of Meatco’s broader commitment to maintaining internationally recognised food safety and quality standards.
The company currently holds several international certifications, including Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS), HACCP, FSSC 22000, Halaal certification from the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa, GEIA Food certification and REMA 1000.
The latest certification is expected to strengthen Meatco’s position as it seeks to expand the presence of Namibian beef in higher-value retail markets across Southern Africa.
