Meat prices – particularly beef – were a primary driver behind South Africa’s uptick in consumer inflation in June, with food inflation hitting a 15-month high of 5.1%, Stats SA reports.
After remaining steady at 2.8% in April and May, the annual consumer price index (CPI) climbed to 3.0% in June, largely due to persistent increases in meat costs.
Stewing beef hits record inflation
- Stewing beef saw a 21.2% year-on-year increase – the highest on record since the current CPI series began in 2017.
- Mince and steak also posted high monthly and annual price increases, continuing a three-month upward trend.
The spike in beef prices is attributed to ongoing supply pressures, including feed costs and limited local production recovery after prior drought conditions.
Broader meat price pressures
While beef led the surge, prices for other unprocessed meats also rose notably, contributing significantly to the overall food basket inflation.
These rising meat costs have disproportionately impacted low-income households, where meat makes up a larger share of food spending.
What this means
With meat being a staple in South African diets, the sustained increase could continue to exert pressure on household budgets, even as other food categories such as dairy and cereals show some relief.
Consumers may start substituting more expensive cuts or switching protein sources if the trend continues in the months ahead.
As a family, how often a week do you eat meat?
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