Food price inflation hits 16-month high, driven by meat and vegetable costs

AGRICULTURAL Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) said that South Africa’s consumer food price inflation rose to the highest level in 16 months, at 4.7%, in June 2025, from 4.4% in May.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Agbiz attributed the recent increases in the price of meat, oils and fats, and vegetables. Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) and Black Sash have echoed similar sentiments.

Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz chief economist, said that the increase does not alter their assessment of moderate food price inflation in 2025.

“The increase in the meat price inflation was caused by two significant factors, which have somewhat eased. First, the outbreak of avian flu in Brazil led to South Africa temporarily restricting imports of poultry products from the country, and this caused panic in the market”

Sihlobo added that South Africa imports roughly 20% of its annual poultry needs and Brazil is one of the key suppliers.