African giant snails are transformed in Benin in different forms that are not well known. The purpose of the study is to characterize processing method, conservation and distribution of giant snails’ flesh in southern Benin. Thus, a survey was carried out in 59 snail processing units. The data collected was analyzed and the Multiple Correspondence Analysis was used to identify three groups of transformers. Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Archachatina ventricosa and Achatina fulica are more processed and consumed in southern Benin. In group 1 the snail flesh is obtained by breaking the shell outdoor and in the family kitchen. The group 2 are distinguished from the first by the place of processing (not frequently used outdoor), the use of bleach to wash the snail before processing and lemon to remove mucus from the snail’s flesh. The group 3 are distinguished from the other two by the method of obtaining the flesh. They pull the flesh after heating the shell. The processors of snail flesh in South-Benin were mostly women (96.77%) against a minority of men (3.23%) from group 3. The flesh had higher organoleptic qualities than the flesh obtained by boiling. The flesh of African giant snails to be marketed in South-Benin is mainly sold in fried forms (95.2%), then boiled (2.4%) and braised (2.4%). The three types of processors described made it possible to better understand the processing of African giant snail meat in Benin. The application of good hygiene practices during snail processing would guarantee better quality snail meat.

The Ablo is a cereal food fermented. It is considered like a humid, slightly, salty and sugary bread, cooked steam and sold under shape of ball. The objective of the survey is to have present quantitative and qualitative data on the consumption of Ablo in Benin. The methodology adopted to consist in doing an investigation of land in some townships of the center (Abomey, Bohicon, Covè) and of the south (Abomey-Calavi, Comè, Cotonou) Benin by the consumers of Ablo. The results of our investigations showed that the Ablo is a food descended of the informal sector of street food. The consumers of Ablo are of all age and all socio-professional catégory. The consumers are of three categories to know the population, the promoters of feast and the hotels and restaurants. The Ablo is consumed to the snack for the majority and is served to hot accompanied of pimento or frying more of fish or meat fried.