Demand for dairy set to decline as consumers remain under pressure
Farmer's Weekly|Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023
A recent report by the South African Milk Producers' Organisation paints a bleak picture for future demand for dairy and dairy products in South Africa over the short term
Janine Ryan
Demand for dairy set to decline as consumers remain under pressure

Demand for dairy products in South Africa is not expected to increase in 2023 due to limited consumer spending, according to a recent report released by the South African Milk Producers’ Organisation. The report said that consumer spending was expected to remain under pressure due to shrinking GDP growth, largely on the back of severe and persistent load-shedding.

The report, ‘Brief summary of information about key variables relevant in respect of expectations regarding the performance of the South African dairy industry in the immediate future’, said that in 2021 and 2022, demand for unprocessed milk and dairy products had declined. Demand was likely to remain subdued in 2023, the report added.

“The expected GDP of South Africa in 2023 does not support expectations about greater demand for consumer goods (including dairy products), and continuation of load-shedding can render the expectation that the GDP will grow in 2023 by 0,1% invalid,” the report explained.

It added that consumers remained under pressure due to high inflation, poor service delivery by the public sector, and weak economic performance.

This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 2 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FARMER'S WEEKLYView All
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Farmer's Weekly

Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?

Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 10, 2024
In it for the win and so much more
Farmer's Weekly

In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
Farmer's Weekly

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 10, 2024
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Farmer's Weekly

A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Changing the potential of your soil
Farmer's Weekly

Changing the potential of your soil

By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 10, 2024
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
Farmer's Weekly

A smart farm springs up and empowers locals

An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.

time-read
6 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Farmer's Weekly

Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows

Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Farmer's Weekly

Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation

Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
Farmer's Weekly

Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle

However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
Farmer's Weekly

SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy

South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 10, 2024