Latest news with #SouthAfricanBraaiIndex
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers warn of imminent price spikes for beloved food item: 'This is being exacerbated now'
If you're planning to fire up the grill in South Africa anytime soon, you might want to brace your wallet. The cost of a traditional braai — a beloved local cookout — is climbing faster than general inflation, and farmers say extreme weather is to blame. As Business Tech explained, the latest South African Braai Index, a monthly snapshot of food prices, revealed that the cost of a typical braai basket rose by 4% in April compared to March — and is up 4.03% year over year. While meat prices have wobbled, the real culprits behind the April spike were vegetables, with tomatoes jumping 26% and carrots climbing 20% in just one month. Over the long term, maize meal — a cookout staple — has surged by 21% compared to last year. Business Tech cited South Africa's Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, which said rising maize costs stem from shrinking supply in Brazil, poor harvests in Argentina, and strong export demand. Domestically, low stock levels and delayed planting seasons due to erratic weather have only added pressure. Even beef, which saw a temporary price dip earlier this year, is now spiking again. A beef carcass that used to sell for R56 per kilogram is now going for as much as R74 — a staggering 32% jump. South Africans aren't just losing access to a favorite national pastime — they're staring down a deeper issue: the growing cost of putting food on the table. As senior agricultural economist for trade research at the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), Thabile Nkunjana told The Money Show, via Business Tech, "This is being exacerbated now." Grain crops, which are essential for both human consumption and livestock feed, have been hit hard by extreme swings in weather — from droughts to downpours — disrupting supply chains and making feed more expensive. As feed prices rise, so do meat prices, especially when farmers can't afford to bring underfed livestock to market. It's a local snapshot of a global trend: As our planet continues to overheat, the cost of basic foods is becoming more volatile — and for many, unaffordable. On a larger scale, countries are working to stabilize food systems by investing in drought-resistant crops, encouraging regenerative agriculture practices, and implementing early-warning systems for extreme weather. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Locally, South Africa is exploring smart agriculture tech to help farmers adapt — such as using predictive tools to manage planting cycles and protect against future crop losses. Nonprofits like the Southern Africa Food Lab are also working on community-based solutions to improve food access. For consumers, there are still ways to save: Buying locally and in-season, reducing meat consumption, and cutting down food waste can help stretch budgets and reduce strain on the planet. Because while the price of a braai may be going up, smarter systems and shared solutions could help keep it within reach for everyone. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The South African
30-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
South African braai costs heat up—Here's why
South African braai costs are heating up as prices soar in 2025. If you're planning a braai this month, prepare to spend significantly more. The latest South African Braai Index reveals that the cost of a typical braai basket has surged by 4.0% month-on-month and 4.03% year-on-year, far outpacing general inflation. This price spike underscores a harsh reality for South African households: grilling now costs more than ever in 2025, even if prices haven't yet hit previous record highs. The Pietermaritzburg Equity Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) group, in collaboration with Bloomberg, compiles the monthly Braai Index by tracking prices of essential braai ingredients. In April, vegetables took the lead in driving up costs: Tomatoes shot up by 26% Carrots increased by 20% These sharp hikes highlight the volatility in basic food prices. Over the past year, maize meal has emerged as the biggest driver of long-term cost increases, spiking 21% since April 2024. The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) attributes this to global and local supply disruptions. South Africa's maize prices have surged due to: Low stock levels following poor 2024 harvests Strong demand from neighboring countries A delayed 2025 planting season Global issues, including Brazil's shrinking supply and crop issues in Argentina After a brief dip in March, beef prices are climbing again—and they're not slowing down. A butcher told News24 that in April, beef carcass prices jumped 32%, soaring from R56 to R74 per kilogram. Thabile Nkunjana, Senior Agricultural Economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), explained on The Money Show: 'We usually see a decline in commercial livestock early in the year because farmers are coming from a higher slaughtering number for the festive season. But this is being exacerbated now.' He cited several contributing factors: A shortage of slaughter-ready cattle High feed costs caused by extreme weather patterns—drought followed by heavy rains Lower grain yields, which have pushed up feed prices and stalled livestock readiness 'The higher cost of feed will limit some of the farmers' ability to bring their animals to abattoirs because they're not ready for market,' Nkunjana added. Despite the spike, Dewald Olivier from Red Meat Industry Services offered some reassurance, telling Channel Africa: 'There isn't actually a shortage of beef—just a temporary tightening of supply.' Still, consumers are feeling the pinch as prices trend upward across the board. While beef is blazing hot, the poultry market has cooled, thanks to international price trends and favourable exchange rates. Pig and sheep meat, not tracked in the PMBEJD Braai Index—have ticked slightly upward, reflecting global increases and the ongoing challenge of high feed costs. If you're firing up the grill this April, expect higher prices for nearly every essential braai item. From maize meal to meat, South Africans are feeling the heat—long before the fire even starts. Stay tuned with The South African as South African Braai costs heat up. How will this affect your wallet going forward? 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.
