The IEF is providing expert guidance to UNICEF to establish a new egg powder processing plant, which is currently in transit to Ethiopia for installation and commissioning.
This turn-key plant, including all essential liquid egg pasteurisation equipment, forms part of a wider programme focused on improving child nutrition through strengthened local food production. It will enable the stable supply of safe, affordable egg powder using locally produced eggs, supporting UNICEF’s nutrition objectives and Ethiopia’s national development priorities.
The programme centres on an “Egg Powder in a Box” concept, developed by Steve Manton, IEF Trustee, and Philip van Bosstraeten of Ovobel Engineering. The concept converts fresh shell eggs into a high-quality, shelf-stable and versatile ingredient that can be used in nutrition programmes, including school feeding initiatives and other specialised feeding needs.
Eggs are recognised by UNICEF as a key nutrient-dense food, providing high-quality protein and essential micronutrients for children’s diets. The organisation recommends eggs as part of diversified diets for children and is exploring their inclusion in feeding programmes where access to fresh eggs may be sporadic or limited.
Prior to drying, liquid eggs are processed through a tubular pasteurisation unit — a critical step in ensuring microbiological safety, product consistency and compliance with food safety standards.
The processing system also includes a box dryer for egg powder, enabling efficient drying and handling of the product while maintaining quality and food safety standards.
IEF is providing technical guidance and ongoing support to ensure the successful installation, commissioning and operation of the facility. UNICEF is leading programme implementation, with a focus on improving child nutrition, strengthening local food systems and exploring the potential for replication in other countries.
OVOBEL Belgium, a world leader and specialist in this field, is supplying and installing the egg powder processing equipment package, while Vision Foods will operate the
processing plant locally in Ethiopia. The programme is further supported by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health, whose engagement helps ensure alignment with national agricultural and nutrition strategies, as well as facilitating the importation and clearance of equipment.
The collaboration is underpinned by Memoranda of Understanding between the participating organisations.
The facility will utilise locally produced eggs, contributing to domestic value chains while addressing Ethiopia’s significant child food poverty challenges. Egg powder offers a cost-effective alternative to some existing nutrition ingredients and provides advantages in shelf life, storage and distribution.
UNICEF views the project as a potential blueprint for similar facilities in other countries, with the possibility of scaling production or exporting egg powder packs to other regions of Africa facing nutritional challenges.
Installation of the plant is anticipated during Q2 2026, with continued collaboration between all parties to ensure that quality, safety and nutritional standards are consistently met.
Source: IEF press release
