The initial standards of the abattoir were way short of what he believed in, so Hennie started on an aggressive phase of upgrading his abattoir to meet the highest of standards with regards to Animal Welfare, Quality, and Food Safety. In a short time, the abattoir met the most demanding of South African Food Retail Standards. Because of his intense focus on quality and building relationships, Hennie and his dedicated team have grown Robertson abattoir from initially employing only 18 employees to its current level of over 200. Robertson Abattoir is now one of the largest employers within its rural catchment area.

As the reputation of Robertson Abattoir’s products grew, so did the demand from like-minded customers who only wanted the best products on their shelves. A unique aspect of Robertson compared to other meat processors is its long-standing relationships with a few but very loyal customers. This loyalty has been a win-win for everyone. Robertson’s customers consistently receive the product they require, while Robertson Abattoir has constantly invested and upgraded the facilities to meet the most demanding standards.

Despite producing between 3000 to 4000 lambs and 300 to 500 cattle per week, Robertson Abattoir can count its main customers on the one hand. Examples are Excellent Meats in Cape Town and Woolworths (pty) Ltd, which Robertson has supplied for 18 and 13 years.

This mutuality and long-term thinking have enabled Robertson to constantly upgrade its facilities as SAFAM only procures and slaughters South African Lamb and Beef. Through strict controls, we ensure our customers are consistently happy with our products. Robertson has invested in their research to look at production methods, ensuring we consistently exceed our customers’ requirements. These (or) our methods, simply put, are what keep our customers loyal and ensure they keep coming back for product time and time again.

Robertson is proud to have passed on this thinking of long-term relationships and mutuality to enable success and growth with its suppliers. Robertson knows it can only meet its customer’s demands consistently by ensuring it sources livestock from farmers who feel the same way—keeping our customers happy by consistently exceeding their expectations. This flow back of loyalty down the supply chain allows farmers to invest in their business and rear livestock that always provides SAFAM with a product that exceeds our customers’ demands.