How Africa’s First Caviar Won Over Michelin-Starred Restaurants In Europe | Big Business

In 2009, French entrepreneurs took a massive gamble: building a luxury industry in one of the world’s poorest countries. Before Acipenser, no companies had successfully farmed caviar in Africa. Today, its caviar is served in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. How did they get customers from around the world to take a chance on African caviar? And why is it so expensive to raise sturgeon for "black gold"?

Correction: At 3:53, Business Insider misstated the species of fish that Acipenser releases into Lake Mantasoa. It is Tilapia, not male Sturgeon. An earlier version of this story misstated the amount of feed Acipenser produces each month. It is about 60 metric tons per month, not 60 kilograms.

00:00 - Intro
01:08 - How They Raise Thousands Of Fish
04:00 - Why It Costs Over $130,000 A Month To Feed Sturgeon
09:17 - How They Remove Caviar From Sturgeon
11:45 - Why China's Caviar Farms Dominate The Market
12:44 - Inside A Michelin-Starred Restaurant Serving Rova Caviar
14:18 - How They've Invested Back Into Madagascar
15:56 - Credits

Thank you to Acipenser:

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How Africa’s First Caviar Won Over Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Europe | Big Business

[shinggeul]

I would totally support this type of company that gives back to the community they operate out of.

[omarspost]

Normally I'd hate on western companies trying to exploit people in poor countries, but this firm has got absolutely everything covered.
Wage, safety, training, work ethic, staff welfare, housing, food, subcontracting locally, sustainable resource use, etc.
There's no way a big company or cooperation would do this.
Hats off to the French lady who made it all happen. Genuinely impressed.

[jenriquevaporize]

This must probably be the most hands on company that I have ever seen in terms of caring for their worker. The absolute best.

[danielshuy]

People commenting that 3x the minimum wage is still not enough don’t understand that raising wages too high relative to the surrounding will cause massive inflation in the region (like in Silicon Valley), which actually does more harm that good.

What they’re doing - providing skilled job opportunities and training, and not to mention free lodging, amenities and meals, even though they don’t need to, goes a much longer way to help the community than just high wages

[MrStuntman]

“Africa’s first ever caviar” makes it seem like Africans own and operate it but it’s a French company.

[pamphlex]

The true gift to Madagascar is this Lady who invested herself into Madagascar and its people.

[surfacematter]

I dont even think I like caviar but I would absolutely start buying some of thiers JUST because they CHOSE to basically create an ecosystem and economy. Plus, that one woman who said, "Now I am an expert" is absolutely PROUD of that and its wonderful.

[Echo_Rin]

So on one hand, fish farms arent great. This is almost a company town, its never good to rely on your employer for housing, food, and safety. BUT, a lot of these people were unemployed before. They seem healthy and safe, proper ppe, training, lots of female workers in hands-on positions. I think the good this company is doing (as far as we're aware) outweighs the negatives

[momogallas]

Excellent to see a company investing in the people and teaching them new skills. Not just going for the cheap labour and using them. Well done 👍 😊

[dexterc]

Most people that complain arent entrepreneurs, so they dont know the risk of building such a farm. Building facilities and training staff cost money. They provide everything for the workers. The salary they get is almost pure savings.

[bltlife]

Releasing the males for locals to catch is such an awesome move.

[plainlake]

I have been to Madagascar and still keep in touch with some of those I met. Honest, trusting and peaceful people in a beautiful, resource-rich country who have been taken advantage of by just about everyone. All that country needs is an honest chance.

[shaneintegra]

Wow that company is absolutely amazing! Never seen a company do so much for the community and workers

[NanoDeer]

Sturgeon meat is really tasty, and distinctive. Those local fisherman catching the males have got a rare treat available to them.

[chuckjones]

The reinvestment into the local community is absolutely awesome. If every company supported those that actually make them money the world would thrive.

[knightrider]

I'm impressed by the cleanliness of the plant

[XxBenxX]

This french lady is very inspiring, nothing but respect for what she did and what she provides to her workers

[FaizalSatya]

Excellent work on helping the local community. One of the best Big Business episode I watched.

[sagarr]

The best part was - Ultrasound scanning for fishes

[EricaHansberry]

Kudos to this company for investing back into the country and not just taking advantage of it. This is beautiful to see. Wishing them much success.