South African meat consumption continues to grow as chicken leads the market

SOUTH AFRICA – Meat consumption in South Africa has been increasing, with chicken remaining the most consumed meat, according to the latest report from the USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN). 

The report highlights that the expansion of the country’s livestock sector is primarily being driven by growing local demand for meat, particularly poultry.

Economic changes since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994 have significantly influenced this trend. 

Between 1994 and the global financial crisis in 2009, economic growth and rising disposable incomes allowed many consumers to incorporate more protein into their diets. 

As a result, annual meat consumption per person rose from 38 kilograms in 1994 to 64 kilograms by 2009, marking a nearly 70% increase over the 15-year period.

However, the momentum slowed over the next decade and a half due to weaker economic growth and reduced consumer purchasing power. 

Persistent inflation, high-interest rates, and an unemployment rate exceeding 30% limited household spending, forcing consumers to prioritize essential foods over discretionary purchases like meat.

South Africa’s economic growth remains subdued, with GDP expanding by 0.6% in 2023 and projected to grow by only 1% in both 2024 and 2025. 

This sluggish outlook has implications for related sectors, such as the animal feed industry, which relies heavily on domestic meat production and consumption.

While South Africa has seen increasing exports to neighboring African countries where demand is on the rise, its ability to penetrate global markets remains restricted. 

Challenges such as outbreaks of animal diseases have hindered exports. 

For instance, the poultry industry faced a significant setback in 2024 due to a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak, which disrupted local production and drove up chicken prices.

Poultry accounts for 60% of all meat consumption in South Africa, with an annual per capita consumption of approximately 35 kilograms.

Its popularity stems from its affordability and availability, making it a key protein source for many. 

Other contributing factors to rising meat consumption include urbanization, population growth, and greater access to refrigeration, allowing consumers to buy and store meat more frequently.

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