In South Africa, the mistrust of pork consumers resulting from the listeria epidemic has already led to a financial loss of R1 billion ($81 million), Paul Makube, a senior agricultural economist at First National Bank (FNB), told Reuters.

According to the manager, the price of pork products fell by 36% since the beginning of 2018. “Pork farmers have now had to redirect the pigs for the fresh meat market,” Makube said, adding that this situation put pressure on price as the volume of surplus surged.

Although this situation could continue over the 6 coming months, the industry could compensate the losses with maize supply. Indeed the price of this crop which is the main ingredient in animal feed is expected to decline subsequently to a strong yield envisaged this season.

Let’s recall that pork industry generates about R5.3 billion ($428 million) per year and accounts for 5% of the total value of animal production.

Espoir Olodo