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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.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tanzania's threats to South Africa's agricultural exports are possibly misguided
South Africa imports key Tanzanian exportable products, particularly those that it can't produce well like avocados, which South Africa imports annually from October through the end of January and depends on Tanzania for this period. By Thabile Nkunjana On the second week of April 2025, South Africa woke up to a surprise that Tanzania's Minister of Agriculture was contemplating to introduce measures to prohibit South African agricultural products from entering the Tanzanian market. This was rather unexpected that Tanzania threatens South Africa about banning its agricultural products that are headed to that country, as well as those that are transiting to its surrounding countries via Dar as Salaam port. This was unexpected because Tanzania's Agriculture Minister, Honourable Mr Hussein Bashe, handled the issue simultaneously to that of Malawi. Malawi and Tanzania have experienced several restrictions together. For example, Tanzanian maize has been prohibited from entering Malawi due to concerns about Lethal Necrosis (MLN) in late 2023. More recently, flour and rice have been restricted, while Tanzanian bananas are the only product restricted to South Africa. For several reasons, it is incorrect to compare the restrictions placed on Tanzanian products in South Africa and Malawi. "These measures are to protect the economy of our farmers, the dignity of our country, and fairness in regional trade," for instance, Minister Bashe stated. First, after India, South Africa is Tanzania's second-largest export market globally. With the exception of 2021, when the UAE was the top market, South Africa has been in Tanzania's top two markets for the previous 20 years. South Africa accounted for 8%, or $122.2 million, of Tanzania's $1.4 billion in overall exports to the globe in 2004. Also, with a 15% market share, or $1.1bn, South Africa was the second-largest buyer of Tanzania's $7.2bn in total exports to the world as of 2023. Second, Tanzania's agricultural sector is expanding, but when comparing the two countries agricultural sectors hence exports, the difference is way too large. As a results, it's improbable to think that these two countries always would have equal trade benefit with one other because sectors size and traded commodities do impact trade. For example, Tanzania's total agricultural export revenue in 2023 was less than the export revenue from only three South African commodities in 2024: maize, freshgrapes, and oranges, which amounted to $2.4bn when combined. Additionally, in 2023, South Africa accounted for 1%, or $33.2m, ofTanzania's $2.3bn in agricultural exports to the globe, while Tanzania accounted for 1%, or $74.3m, of South Africa's $13.2bn in agricultural exports. Tobacco, coffee, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, pigeon peas, rice, cotton, groundnuts, cocoa, and avocados are some of Tanzania's most popular agricultural exports. But South Africa imports key Tanzanian exportable products, particularly those that it can't produce well, like coffee, or for which there is a limited availability during a given time frame. This is true, for instance, of avocados, which South Africa imports annually from October through the end of January and depends on Tanzania for this period. At least 95% of Tanzania's exports of macadamia nuts were destined for South Africa in 2023, also for 54% of the $51.6m worth of coffee husks and skins,16% of tobacco refuse, 11% of fruit seeds, 9% of black fermented tea, 9% of bonesand horn-cores, 8% of cotton waste, 8% of spices, and 4% of decaffeinated coffee. Thirdly, the WTO recognises that the agricultural sector is typically sensitive and is handled as such in international trade; as a result, it has provisions for countries to implement temporary measures that are meant to protect the safety of certain industries and consumers. This includes safeguarding against diseases or industries that are at their infancy stage. However, when countries assert one of these problems, evidence is needed. Several industries in South Africa have suffered from diseases that pose a threat, such as "Goss Wilt", which was recently found in maize from major regions that produce the country's maize and threatens food security and one of the most vital commodities for South Africa's exports. Another industry that was nearly destroyed by Panama Disease years ago was the banana industry, which also happens to be the commodity that Tanzania wants to export to South Africa. Since then, South Africa's banana industry has continued to have certain difficulties, and the country is increasingly becoming a net importer, importing about 200 000 tons in 2024 compared to 2 000 tons in early it is incorrect to associate the avocado dispute that occurred some time ago with the banana dispute between the two countries. South Africa depends on Tanzania to supply avocados at the end of each year and the beginning of the next as already mentioned. Therefore, South Africa had no justification for prohibiting avocado imports from Tanzania other than the need to meet certain requirements. South Africa too must export its products in accordance with both country and international regulations. For example, South African farmers have been waiting for20 years to satisfy the requirements needed to supply meat to the Saudi Arabian market, and the most recent example is the 16-year wait to export apples to Thailand. Africa should observe and learn from the current trade war between the United States and China in order to improve regional integration; otherwise, the African Continental Free Trade Area would remain a farfetched dream.
