Festive season braais set to burn a hole in your pocket as meat costs surge
Many will find that the beloved braai is costing more than expected.
Image: File
As South Africans take a well-deserved rest and prepare to put their feet up and enjoy the festive season, many will find that the beloved braai is costing more than expected.
This comes as the country continues to grapple with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which has disrupted cattle farming and tightened the supply of beef. Popular cuts such as sirloin, rump, and T-bone steaks have surged by up to 37% compared to last December, leaving holiday budgets tighter and backyard grills a lot more expensive.
According to FNB agricultural economist Paul Makube, the spike in meat prices is the largest in almost eight years, with beef, lamb, pork, and even chicken all showing significant increases.
"If you’re heading to the coast for the holidays, expect to pay even more. For example, beef chuck costs about 28% more than last year in the Western Cape, 27% more in KwaZulu-Natal, and nearly 19% more in the Eastern Cape. T-bone steak is also much pricier in these provinces," Makube said.
Makube revealed that beef prices have soared, "with sirloin up by 37% to R224 per kilogram, rump steak up by 32% to R209 per kilogram, chuck up by 29% to R136 per kilogram, and T-bone steak up by 29% to R164 per kilogram."
Other meats have also seen notable price hikes:
- Mutton and lamb loin chops: up 13% to R220/kg; rib chops: up 13% to R214/kg
- Pork chops: up 12% to R100/kg; pork ribs: up 11% to R107/kg
- Chicken (IQF portions): up nearly 6% to R101/kg
Makube also noted that while globally food prices are actually coming down, with the United Nations reporting a 2% drop compared to last year, South Africans are still feeling the pinch at the tills.
"Globally, food prices are actually coming down, with the United Nations reporting a 2% drop in food prices compared to last year. But here at home, the impact of FMD and supply issues means South Africans are still feeling the pinch at the tills."
"There may be some relief for meat lovers early next year. After the festive season, demand for meat usually drops, which could help bring prices down," Makube concluded.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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