Braai lovers in South Africa have something to smile about
The cost of hosting a braai in South Africa was relatively flat over the last month, with ingredient prices dropping just under 1% since October while increasing by around the same since November last year.
This is according to the latest Braai index, conceptualised by Bloomberg and compiled using the latest data from the Pietermaritzburg Equity Justice and Dignity (PMGEJD) for October.
The index looks at the food items used in the preparation of braai, and tracks the movement in prices of this specific basket month-on-month and year-on-year.
This includes the meat (Beef, wors, chicken portions), vegetables (spinach, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, green pepper) and others (samp, maize, curry powder, salt).
To compile its survey, the PMBEJD’s data collectors track food prices on the shelves of 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries that target the low-income market in the greater areas of Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Springbok in the far northwest and the far northeastern town of Mtubatuba.
The month-on-month index showed prices for a braai dropped by 0.9%.
Year-on-year, prices were up 0.7%.
This pricing is relatively flat: in rand terms, a braai costs just R17 less than in October, but R13 more than in 2023.
One of the biggest drivers behind the change is the significant drop in the price of potatoes—the same basket item that has been causing spikes in prices. With potato prices coming down 20% since October (and 14% since November 2023), it’s safe to put potato salad back on the menu.
The Braai Index is broadly in line with the latest consumer inflation numbers from Stats SA, which showed that the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Food NAB) segment came down in October.
After remaining steady for six months in the 4.5–4.7% range, annual inflation for Food NAB retreated to 3.6% in October. This is the lowest rate since November 2019 (3.5%).
Inflation cooled for most food & NAB subcategories in October, except for sugar, sweets & desserts and cold beverages.
Food NAB remains higher than overall inflation, though, which came in at 2.8%.
Month-on-month index change [-0.9%]
Year-on-year index change [+0.7%]
Meat prices
According to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), meat prices in South Africa have been moving sideways, with poultry and pork prices up and beef and sheep meat down.
Poultry and pig meat prices have strengthened on the back of increasing feed costs (yellow maize) and a revived demand in the case of poultry.
The price for Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) pieces increased by 3.0%, while pig carcass prices were only up by 0.8%.
Prices for both meat types have been declining YoY, and poultry prices have reverted to levels seen before the Avian Influenza outbreak.
“The beef market moved counter to global dynamics given a firmer exchange rate, and the average price for A2/A3 carcasses softened MoM (-2.4%). In addition, weaner calf prices were up (1.1%), reflecting stronger demand from abattoirs as the festive season approaches.
Sheep meat (average A2/A3) prices eased by 1.5%, resulting from softer demand in the local market as this is the most expensive meat type.
“It is anticipated that growing demand over the festive season will support meat prices in the coming months,” the group said.
Loading ...
