Pioneering yellow fat production in Africa to strengthen food security

Yellow fat production plays a vital role in strengthening food security across Southern Africa. It leverages the region’s agricultural strengths while delivering nutritional, economic, and environmental value. With this new facility, Mount Meru Group is expanding access to affordable, plant-based foods and reinforcing regional food resilience. 

But the project goes beyond infrastructure. It represents a scalable approach to impact - transforming local demand into sustainable growth, upcycling palm oil by-products into valuable resources, and simplifying operations through reliable, low-maintenance technology. 

Delivered in partnership with Alfa Laval and German-based food technology specialist RONO, the facility combines efficient, future-ready processing solutions with a fully integrated, automated approach - from concept to commissioning. 

Alfa Laval supplied tanks, pumps, and plate heat exchangers for the fat and water preparation phase, along with control systems and utilities. RONO provided the core high-pressure processing technology at the Katuba site. The result is a scalable production setup designed to meet rising demand while reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. 

You truly feel part of the Mount Meru organization, thanks to your hard work, dedication, professionalism, and personal commitment. — Atul Mittal, President, Energy, Logistics, Projects, Mount Meru Group

The emulsification stage is central to achieving consistent, high-quality margarine and shortening. Oils and fats are carefully blended with emulsifiers before the water phase is introduced, forming a stable emulsion. Advanced high-shear mixing technology ensures optimal interaction between phases, creating a fine, homogeneous structure that defines the product’s texture, plasticity, and stability. 

Integrated buffering and controlled transfer systems maintain uniform flow throughout the process, supporting reliable downstream pasteurization and crystallization.  

The result

• Scalable production capacity to meet growing demand 

• Reduced waste through by-product utilization 

• Efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance operations 

• Stronger positioning in a developing market 

 This collaboration demonstrates how true partnership goes beyond delivery – enabling sustainable growth and strengthening regional food security.