Meat prices set to surge amid SA supply crisis
Eskort CEO Arnold Prinsloo warns that South Africa's meat industry is heading into a 'perfect storm' that could drive prices out of reach for millions.
Speaking to BusinessTech , he said that a combination of beef shortages, a ban on chicken imports from Brazil, and the collapse of a major poultry producer has put the country's food security at serious risk.
The warning comes after a confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at a Gauteng feedlot owned by Karan Beef, South Africa's largest beef producer.
The facility has been placed under quarantine, slashing slaughter volumes by nearly 75%.
'If the quarantine drags on or the disease spreads, beef supply will shrink and prices will rise,' Prinsloo said.
Adding to the pressure is the recent ban on chicken imports from Brazil, imposed on 15 May after an avian flu outbreak.
According to The Citizen , Brazil supplies South Africa with 19 000 tonnes of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) per month. This meat is used in low-cost processed products like polony and Viennas.
Local producers can supply only 100 tonnes.
'Some smaller producers have already run out of raw materials. This ban alone threatens 400 million affordable meals per month,' Prinsloo warned.
Meanwhile, Daybreak Foods, one of South Africa's largest poultry producers, has gone into business rescue and recently culled 350 000 chicks due to feed shortages.
'This will squeeze chicken supply even further and drive up prices across the board,' Prinsloo said.
Prinsloo, alongside industry groups like AMIE and the South African Meat Processors Association, has urged Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to review the import ban.
They want the restriction narrowed to the affected region of Brazil rather than the entire country.
'This would preserve supply chains, protect public health, and safeguard thousands of jobs,' he said.
Prinsloo stressed the urgency of the situation.
'This triple threat livestock disease, import bans, and production failures demands immediate government action,' he said.
'If we wait until shelves are empty and prices skyrocket, it'll be too late.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
SIXTY more ways to spend your money at GrandWest
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is set to expand its footprint with the introduction of the R600 million GrandWest Mall, a premium retail centre that will add 60 new stores to the area. Construction of the 22 000m² shopping centre is scheduled to begin in September 2025 with the official opening planned for March 2027. The GrandWest Mall will be directly connected to the GrandWest Casino complex, combining retail convenience with the precinct's entertainment offering. Key features of the mall include: Two major supermarket anchors Two pharmacies A variety of fashion and athleisure boutiques Health and beauty services Banking facilities A new range of dining options GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo confirmed that the group has already invested in local infrastructure, including contributions to the Jakes Gerwel Drive upgrade, but pointed out that a dedicated retail centre has long been missing. 'With GrandWest attracting over 16 000 daily visitors, a full-scale mall is a logical next step,' said Naidoo. Once completed, GrandWest Mall is expected to become a community-focused retail anchor, complementing the precinct's round-the-clock entertainment and providing new employment and commercial opportunities in Cape Town's northern suburbs. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
Popular Cape Town hotel undergoes R1 billion makeover ahead of your next stay
The iconic Table Bay Hotel, nestled in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, is undergoing a landmark R1 billion refurbishment, marking the most significant transformation in its nearly three-decade history. The upgrade not only promises an elevated guest experience, but also introduces a prestigious new identity under the InterContinental brand. Closed earlier this year to begin renovations, the hotel is now owned by the V&A Waterfront and managed by Sun International, the group behind the hotel's original legacy. The refurbishment is set to modernise the hotel's offerings while preserving the timeless elegance that has made it one of Cape Town's premier luxury destinations. Key features of the dramatic overhaul include: A state-of-the-art spa for holistic wellness experiences for holistic wellness experiences A revamped reception and dining area that reflects the hotel's world-class status that reflects the hotel's world-class status An elevated pool bar and terrace with sweeping views of Table Mountain and the harbour with sweeping views of and the harbour The addition of an Executive Club Floor and Lounge , catering to elite InterContinental guests , catering to elite InterContinental guests 45 brand-new guest suites, bringing the total room count to 306 First opened on 30 May 1997, the Table Bay Hotel holds a special place in South African history, having been inaugurated by President Nelson Mandela himself. Hospitality titan Sol Kerzner, then CEO of Sun International, played a pivotal role in its creation, famously insisting the building face Table Mountain directly – an architectural decision that continues to enchant guests. 'This revamp is more than cosmetic; it's a rejuvenation of one of Cape Town's most treasured hospitality landmarks,' said a spokesperson for Sun International. As part of the rebrand, the Table Bay Hotel will join IHG's luxury portfolio as the first InterContinental property in Cape Town. This move is expected to boost Cape Town's global tourism appeal and reinforce the V&A Waterfront's status as a top-tier international destination. The newly reimagined InterContinental Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront is scheduled to reopen its doors in December this year, just in time for the festive season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13 hours ago
- The South African
A look inside the Gupta mansions going up for auction
Three high-class Gupta mansions in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, will be up for auction on 24 July 2025. This follows the business rescue for the family's company, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, which the properties fall under. Park Village Auction's Clive Lazarus described the sale as signalling the 'beginning of the end' of the seven-year saga. The viewing of the properties, handled by Park Village Auctions, will be held between 6 and 20 July 2025. The first mansion will be the triple-storey residence at 5 Saxonwold Drive, featuring eight bedrooms, extensive living and entertainment areas, an indoor swimming pool, an expansive rooftop patio, staff accommodation, and ample garaging. The mansion measures up to 4,207 sqm. The 5 Saxonwold Drive mansion. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Indoor swimming pool. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The next property available for auction is the number 7 Saxonwold Drive, also a triple storey, has a staggering 17 en-suite bedrooms. The property features a triple-volume foyer, multiple lounges, a cinema lounge, staff accommodation and even a beauty salon. The 7 Saxonwold Drive property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. A salon inside the property. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. Last but not least on the list is number 3 Saxonwold Drive single-storey three-bedroom home with a single garage, storeroom, and staff accommodation. The number 3 Saxonwold Drive. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. IMAGE: Park Village Auctions. The entire contents of each house, namely furniture and appliances, will be sold as a single lot (not individual items) following each respective property. To be part of the bid, you have to register and pay the relevant refundable deposits. Viewings of the properties will be held on 6, 13, 19 and 20 July 2025 from 10:00 to 16:00. The Saxonwold properties once hosted prominent figures such as the former Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, who confessed at the Zondo commission about bribes and corruption he encountered during a meeting at one of the Gupta residences. The family's business, Confident Concept (Pty) Ltd, has been involved in two legal battles, including business rescue proceedings following financial distress and disputes over property development with municipal authorities. The company owned a substantial portfolio of properties, including those adjacent to the infamous Saxonwold compound in Johannesburg. Notably, these properties were embroiled in litigation with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), allegedly owing R726,695 in rates and taxes as of 2022. After years of several appeals at the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Appellate Division finally ruled, allowing the Confident Concepts properties to go up for auction and 'hopefully lead to a long-awaited payday for creditors,' says Lazarus. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
