Chamwe Kaira
SSnail farming is not common in the arid Erongo region, but Namsnails Farming (Pty) Ltd has established operations on the edge of the Namib Desert and aims to build a place in Namibia’s agricultural and export sector.
Chief executive officer André Mouton said the company breeds Cornu aspersum maxima, known as Gros Gris, for the escargot market.
“Our present installed capacity allows for approximately 100 to 150 tonnes of live hibernated snails per annum, with the ability to scale further as infrastructure is expanded,” Mouton said.
He said production is currently focused on the local and regional market, with plans to expand into the Middle East. Namsnails has partnered with Seapride as its local distributor and may expand internationally through DP World’s network.
“Our immediate focus is mainly for hospitality and food service. As value-added processing (pre-cooked and IQF formats) is finalised, we anticipate stronger international uptake in the premium hospitality segment,” he said.
The company employs 64 people in farm management, breeding, quality control, administration and production. Mouton said the project contributes to employment in the Erongo Region.
The business has invested in land development, climate-controlled breeding systems, feed systems, biosecurity infrastructure and export compliance preparation. The model includes plans for processing snail meat and other value-added products.
The production process starts with selective breeding in controlled environments. Eggs are incubated and juveniles reared before being grown in climate-managed systems with specialised feed. The company applies strict hygiene and biosecurity measures. Snails are harvested, prepared for hibernation and graded and packed for sale.
Mouton said the project supports diversification in a region known for mining, logistics and fishing. He said the company contributes through job creation, skills development, foreign currency earnings and new agro-processing activity in Walvis Bay and nearby areas.
“As we expand processing capacity, the regional economic multiplier effect is expected to increase significantly,” he said.
Snails are bred mainly for human consumption. They are widely consumed in Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. Snails are also used for caviar, cosmetic products made from mucin, animal feed and research.
“Namsnails is currently focused on food-grade production with future potential in high-value by-products,” Mouton said.
He said export markets such as the European Union require strict veterinary and food safety standards.
“We ensure compliance through alignment with Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services requirements, residue monitoring programmes, biosecurity and traceability systems, controlled feed inputs, preparation for EU approval and accredited laboratory testing and documented quality assurance protocols,” he said.
Mouton said traceability, hygiene and controlled production systems are central to the company’s compliance strategy.
“Our focus is not merely on volume but on premium quality, sustainability, and innovation. We believe snail farming represents a viable climate-resilient agricultural opportunity for Namibia. We remain committed to expanding local value addition and contributing to regional economic development while building internationally competitive standards,” he said.
Caption
Namsnails breed Cornu aspersum maxima, a globally recognised species for culinary escargot.
