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‘Skaapland’
Meat Emporium hits the sweet spot
A
STATUE of a donkey has been eclipsed by a state-of-the-art butchery
as the top tourist attraction in Upington, Northern Cape. Meat,
liquor, tyres and false nails mean money in this macho region
– but the biggest local passion is probably red meat. Cashing
in on this is businessman Henk Snyman, through his Skaapland Meat
Emporium. Gushing comments from visitors’ book generally
praise Skaapland’s products, extreme cleanliness and friendly
service. “Drove down from Pretoria especially. Not disappointed.”
“Butcheries will never be the same again!” “We
also want one!” What makes Skaapland so different, then?
For starters, the sheer scale: 1 700m2 of custom-built floor space;
up to three tons of biltong displayed on rotating dryers; private
areas where you sit comfortably while consulting or directing
your personal meat-cutting technician in quartering a carcass.
At the demonstration area, also an informal coffee shop and snack
bar where lunches are served, clients learn about preparation
methods such as deboning and are introduced to new recipes. The
stylish interior was designed by an interior designer from Cape
Town. Upright, refrigerated display shelves with glass doors line
the walls. Modern light fittings beam down onto blonde wood shelves
carrying spices, oils, vinegars, and wines from the local Oranje
Rivier Cellars. What Snyman is most proud of, though, is the magnitude
of the personal service offered. He even offers an overnight courier
service for biltong and dry products to anywhere in the country.
As with the fresh flower distribution network, you can surprise
your homesick relatives or friends with a delivery of good old
South African biltong or droëwors. Snyman believes that Skaapland’s
amazing success is due to a combination of lucky breaks, faith,
thorough research, staff training, absolute honesty and catering
to his customers’ individual needs. In Upington, at least,
this approach equates to a lot of good red meat and a bit of tourism
on the side. |
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