I live in Cape Town.  I am passionate about meat curing and other forms of processing; an amateur food historian; a meat processing consultant with 8 years of production management experience in a large bacon plant, 10 years of operations management experience. As factory manager, I have been exposed to the best management systems globally related to food safety, product development, and production. I have extensive formulation experience in emulsion sausages, blended hams and bacon. I base my work on a thorough understanding of meat science. I am an avid student of the chemistry and various biological processes underpinning our trade. I do this, however, not in a bubble for the sake of academia, but in order to be better at my work, formulate better and advance our trade.

I write about what fascinates me which is the basis of EarthwormExpress. 

My photo memories about Woody’s Consumer Brands is found at My Memories of Woodys.

We learn from people around us and collaborate with people from around the world.  Sometimes I have the privilege to interview food people.  I share their stories here.

I have two children, Tristan and Lauren. 

My book on the history of bacon curing, Bacon & the Art of Living is hosted here.

My work has always been about going back to origins. Origins of humans, origins of various technologies and the origins of our food. My consultancy company is therefore appropriately called “Origins.” I apply what I’ve learned to solve clients’ needs. Here, I pool the efforts of best-in-field industry professionals from around the world and create a team with superior synergy. We have amongst others the following capabilities:

• NPD;
• Complete factory design including AutoCAD design and complete project management of the entire process including oversight over sub-contractors;
• Complete oversight over new factory commissioning and start-up;
• Compliance with current food safety legislation;
• We have exclusive access to various novel meat technologies;
• Improve bottom line by fully utilising local raw material supply by re-designing functional components to formulations. The approach is discussed in Nose-to-Tail: Root-to-Tip;
• Through a network of contacts, we are able to enhance current marketing strategies through innovative product formulation and design.
• Also refer to:
  • Best Bacon System on Earth which includes us providing your company direct access to one of the largest TG suppliers on earth.

I am available for contract work and consultancy.

Eben van Tonder
email:  ebenvt@gmail.com
cell: +27715453029

ps. The photo of me and La is a very old photo! 🙂