South African households are feeling the pinch at the dinner table, with the price of meat – especially beef- emerging as a major driver of consumer inflation in June.
According to the latest data from Stats SA, the annual food inflation rate climbed to 5.1%, marking a 15-month high, and meat was the leading contributor.
This spike helped push the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) up from 2.8% in May to 3.0% in June.
Beef prices lead the surge
The standout statistic: stewing beef prices skyrocketed by 21.2% year-on-year – the highest increase recorded since Stats SA’s current CPI series began in 2017.
Other beef cuts, such as mince and steak, also saw sharp monthly and annual increases, capping off a three-month streak of rising meat prices.
Why the spike?
The steep increases are being driven by several factors:
Wider impact
Meat is a staple in most South African diets, particularly among lower- and middle-income households.
With meat making up a large share of household food budgets, the recent price hikes are disproportionately impacting vulnerable consumers.
Economists warn that if the trend continues, families may be forced to:
“Consumers are likely to start adjusting their buying habits. Meat, especially beef, is becoming a luxury,” said consumer analyst Thabo Mokoena.
Looking ahead
While other food categories like dairy and cereals have seen minor relief, meat inflation shows no sign of slowing.
The trajectory of meat prices will be a key factor to watch in the next CPI report due in August.
How often a week do you eat meat?
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