As we welcome the new year, our resolutions are firmly rooted in our core values, which guide every decision and interaction. We are dedicated to building the trust that our customers place in us by consistently choosing to do what is right for our customers, employees, community, and environment. This commitment enables us to focus on innovation that drives creative solutions. We strive to go above and beyond in meeting and exceeding customer expectations, helping them achieve new levels of efficiency. We are delighted to announce the recent appointments of two esteemed technical specialists and three talented interns, further solidifying our commitment to nurturing talent and advancing our capabilities in animal performance solutions.
Dr Micaela Pinto joins us as a technical specialist, bringing a wealth of expertise that will significantly enhance our research and product development efforts. Dr Pinto completed her internship at Chemuniqué while pursuing her master’s degree, focusing on calcium and phosphorus nutrition in laying hens. Her research was presented at internationally acclaimed conferences, and she later earned her PhD at the University of Georgia, where she explored the physiology and nutrition of long-life laying hens. Her groundbreaking work has been recognised by the United States egg industry, earning her the Maurice Stein Fellowship Award among other accolades. After completing her studies, Dr Pinto returned to South Africa, eager to contribute positively to the animal feed industry and food security.
Tanel Meyer also joins our team as a technical specialist, boasting extensive experience in animal nutrition. Her career began at AFGRI Animal Feeds, where she progressed to operational nutritionist. She then served as technical manager at SA Premix (now AECI Animal Health) and later at BASF. Tanel’s international experience includes working with Royal Canin in Canada, where she notably signed one of the largest humane societies onto their Shelter Program. After several years abroad, she has returned to South Africa.
We also warmly welcome three talented interns to our dynamic team: Abigail Herbst and Storm-Rose Bekker, both graduates from Stellenbosch University with BSc(Agric) degrees in animal science, and Chase Norton, who holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Pretoria. These interns will engage in various projects, gaining valuable practical experience and contributing to our innovative research initiatives. We look forward to seeing how our new colleagues will shape the future of Chemuniqué and contribute to our vision of sustainable animal production.
Always aiming for new goals and greater ambitions, our team will work towards obtaining valuable accreditations for our laboratory and blending plant. These follow closely on the heels of receiving ISO certification for our enzyme laboratory.
With several promising product registrations in the pipeline, we look forward to sharing the wealth of knowledge that accompanies the growth in our portfolio. We are also focused on planning innovative trials that will inspire us to explore new ideas and solutions, enhancing customer experiences. Our aim is to drive not just the South African industry, but also connect with international clientele, bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial implementation that leads to improved performance and proven return on investment.
Our commitment to long-term success prioritises sustainable practices and meaningful relationships over short-term gains. Throughout this journey, our dedication to keeping promises reinforces our reliability and integrity, fostering a community of loyal customers who believe in our vision and values. By focusing on our customers’ success, we build mutually beneficial relationships that relentlessly pursue the larger goal of providing cost-effective protein sources to consumers well beyond 2025.