Innovation Never Sleeps
At Origins Global Meats, we bring together deep industry expertise, cutting-edge science, and global vision to transform meat operations from the ground up.
Our product development never stops.
Every day, we’re working on new, future-ready meat creations – from refined classics to hybrid innovations – always tailored to local markets and global trends.
Curious about what’s next?
Take a closer look at our latest creations – and see how Origins Global Meats can elevate your product line.
Eben van Tonder – Industrial Innovator & Meat Processing Specialist
Eben van Tonder is a seasoned food industry expert with over 20 years of experience in building, managing, and optimizing production operations across Africa, Europe, and Oceania. As a founder and technical leader, he has delivered high-performance processing systems by combining hands-on engineering with strategic execution.
He led the complete setup of the largest meat processing facility in West Africa, overseeing factory layout, equipment selection, recipe development, workforce training, and compliance with international food safety standards.
As founder of Woody’s Consumer Brands, Eben scaled production from 1 ton per week to 15 tons per day by developing a cost-efficient bacon processing system. This model was later adopted by top producers in New Zealand. He directly managed all aspects of the business, from factory planning and process design to sales and operations.
Core Competencies
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Factory Design & Operational Efficiency: Development of lean layouts, team-based workflow models, AI-driven analytics, and end-to-end system integration.
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Product & Process Innovation: Specialized in functional ingredient systems, meat-plant hybrids, waste stream valorization, and technical solutions for challenging raw materials like PSE pork and DFD beef.
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Industrial Project Management: Leadership of complex production setups and restructures, including consolidation of decentralized operations into single-site processing hubs.
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Procurement & Supply Chain Strategy: Established direct sourcing relationships with global ingredient manufacturers to reduce costs and improve reliability.
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Food Safety & Compliance: Implementation of HACCP systems and international hygiene standards in real-world factory environments, including developing regions.
International Application
Eben’s work spans South Africa, Nigeria, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. His ability to adapt technical solutions to both advanced and resource-limited settings makes him a valuable partner in diverse production environments. Whether working in high-tech factories or under infrastructure constraints, he delivers grounded, executable solutions.
INFO
Origins Global Meats (Pty) Ltd is an innovative meat solutions company redefining how meat is processed, utilised, and marketed in Africa and beyond. Founded by meat scientist Eben van Tonder, OGM builds on over 15 years of experience in protein research, functional ingredient development, and the management of meat processing plants under real-world factory conditions.
The company’s goal is the complete and sustainable utilisation of the entire animal carcass, including often-overlooked parts, to produce nutrient-rich food, high-quality animal feed, and organic fertilisers. The focus is on maximising value and profitability through intelligent, sustainable carcass utilisation.
Based in Austria, OGM’s research and development operations combine European meat science, advanced food technology, and hybrid product innovation with the specific needs of African markets. A close strategic partnership with Almi, a leading Austrian spice and ingredient manufacturer, significantly expands the company’s functional range and brings cutting-edge technology into production. All solutions meet the highest international standards while being adapted to regional nutritional needs, raw material availability, climate conditions, and economic structures.
A key area of focus is the upgrading of the so-called fifth quarter of the carcass, from nutrient-rich products for human consumption to protein-dense formulations for animal feed and organic soil regeneration solutions. OGM also develops innovative hybrid products combining meat with plant-based ingredients, including sausages, burgers, and extended mince options.
OGM supports meat processing facilities from the planning phase through to daily operations. Services include the development of production layouts, process optimisation for maximum efficiency and yield, and the implementation of customised management systems including ERP, staffing structures, and workflows. In doing so, OGM delivers global innovation with measurable local impact, creating profitable value chains in the African meat industry.
Eben with freshly processed beef tendons
Earthworm Express is a distinguished blog in the field of meat science and technology. It explores a wide range of topics, from the history of meat processing to cutting-edge innovations, offering a unique blend of deep research, industry insight, and storytelling. Known for its thoughtful analysis and rich context, the blog serves as a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike who are passionate about the art and science of meat.
OUR BLOG
SERVICES
Our Specialisations
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R&D Excellence
Our research and development work is primarily based in Austria, where we draw upon a vast European knowledge base that spans traditional meat science, advanced food technology, and cutting-edge hybrid product development. By collaborating closely with leading Austrian scientists and institutions, we ensure that our innovations meet the highest international standards.
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While our R&D engine is rooted in Europe, our operational footprint is firmly planted in Africa. Every concept, process, and product we develop is designed to meet African realities—tailored to local nutritional needs, raw material availability, climate conditions, and economic structures. This dual focus allows us to deliver world-class innovation with on-the-ground relevance and impact.
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5th Quarter Repurposing
The lowest value is derived from fertiliser, but the value increases as one moves from animal feed to human food. We have extensive experience in unlocking value from the 5th quarter for:-
Human Consumption – Nutritious, affordable meat products
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Animal Feed – Protein-rich formulations for livestock
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Fertiliser – Organic soil enrichment solutions
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Meat-Plant Based Food Hybrids
Innovative product development combining meat with plant-based ingredients to create:-
Sausages
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Burger patties
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Minced and extended minced meat
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Carcass Utilisation Redesign
Strategic approaches to maximise the commercial potential of every animal, turning abattoirs and cutting plants into profit centres.
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Meat Plant Design & Optimisation
From blueprint to daily operations: we build and refine processing environments for peak efficiency and maximum yield.
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Integrated Management Models
Tailored ERP systems, staffing structures, and workflow designs that support high-performance meat plants.
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Nutrition-Driven Product Design
We identify regional nutritional deficiencies and develop innovative meat-based or hybrid products to address them directly.
Our Experience
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R&D Excellence
Deep R&D capabilities through long-term collaboration with Austrian technology partners. -
Processing Line Set-Up
Complete line development, from equipment selection to operational handover. -
Factory Design & Equipment Selection
Engineered for African conditions. Built to last. -
Turnkey Solutions
From factory floors to management offices:-
Site Layout
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Staff hiring and training
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SOP development
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Commissioning
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ERP Design & Implementation
Custom-designed systems to digitize and streamline every operational layer. -
Mentorship & Ongoing Support
We don’t walk away after commissioning. Our international network provides continual mentorship and troubleshooting support for management teams.
Our Entrepreneurial Spirit
We are not just consultants but doers, builders, and entrepreneurs.
We live to identify and exploit economic opportunities by merging world-class meat science with local insights and agility. Our strength lies in seeing potential where others see waste — and turning that potential into profit.
Track Record
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15+ Years of factory management and commercial meat processing experience in South Africa
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7+ Years on the ground in Nigeria, developing hybrid products, overcoming infrastructural constraints, and adapting global meat science to local realities.
BACON STORIES
For us, bacon is more than just meat. It’s memory, craftsmanship, and living culture. Bacon Stories shares the people, places, and decades of passion behind every slice. From the smoky aroma of Alpine curing rooms to the modern production halls of West Africa, ancient techniques meet scientific precision and relentless dedication. Christa recalls her childhood on an Austrian mountain farm, where bacon was part of daily life. Eben tells of his 23-year journey to a breakthrough method for reformed bacon. Two worlds – united by one love: bacon that tells a story.
ASSOCIATES
