Canned pilchards have overtaken chicken as the preferred protein choice, according to the Competition Commission’s latest Essential Food Pricing Monitoring report.
This is because chicken prices have increased due to the impact of the avian flu outbreak that started in early June 2023.
The report, released this week, showed that from June to December 2023, chicken prices saw an average retail increase of 0.58% and a sharp 8.80% rise at the producer level.
This forced South Africans to look for cheaper protein sources, turning their attention to canned pilchards, which were not the most affordable option.
Canned pilchards, often sold in 400g cans or smaller, offer practical advantages for consumers. They do not need refrigeration, making them a convenient and reliable option during load shedding.
Economist Kagiso Zwane from the Competition Commission said that while pilchards are not the most economical source of protein per gram – dry beans and eggs are cheaper – consumers value the other benefits they offer, the Mail & Guardian reported.
The report noted that pilchards are zero-rated for VAT, improving their affordability compared to other protein sources.
Sales figures from companies like Oceana, which owns Lucky Star, show this trend, with a 9% increase in sales volume from 2022 to 2023.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Lucky Star tinned pilchards.
Image source: Lucky Star/Instagram
