By Rorisang Modiba
- Wholesale pork prices jumped from R32 per kilogram to R40 in recent weeks, with further increases expected as disease spreads.
- About 7,000 pigs were lost to disease, which could push pork prices up by 10%, Eskort CEO Arnold Prinsloo said.
Shoppers will pay more for pork in the coming months as African Swine Fever spreads across farms.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation warned that the disease has hit commercial pig farms in the Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and north-east of Pretoria.
The outbreak comes on top of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, which has already pushed up beef prices and contributed to food inflation.
Wholesale pork prices have jumped from about R32 per kilogram to R40 in recent weeks. More increases are expected as the effects move through to shops.
Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of Eskort, said the pork market is sensitive to supply problems. South Africa slaughters about 72,000 pigs per week.
About 7,000 pigs have been lost in the formal market due to African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Prinsloo said even a 2% shortage can push prices up by around 10%, BusinessTech reported.
Industry buffers that used to help keep prices stable have been used up, leaving the market more exposed.
Eskort accounts for about 10% of the local pork market and has not had any cases among its farmers. But it is still affected by the broader market.
The pork producers’ organisation assured shoppers that pork in shops is safe to eat. African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease do not affect humans.
Strict veterinary inspections under the Meat Safety Act continue to ensure food safety standards are met.
Meat prices are a key driver of inflation. Meat inflation rose to 12.6% in December, up from 12.2% in November, according to Statistics South Africa.
Nedbank economists warned that disease outbreaks will likely keep meat price inflation in double digits until at least April 2026.
Pictured above: Pork.
Image source: Pexels
