A cautiously optimistic outlook for consumers, despite some risks uncertainties and

According to Agbiz, South Africa’s consumer food inflation rate has slowed further in recent months. As of the writing of this article, the consumer food inflation rate in April 2024 was 4,4%, down from 4,9% in the previous month.

- Hamlet Hlomendilini

Indications from Agbiz’s Weekly Market Viewpoint, published on 27 May, suggest that this deceleration was driven by a slowdown across most food products, with the exception of fruit and vegetables, which saw a slight increase from the previous month.

The modest rise in the prices of fruit and vegetables was primarily attributed to base effects, according to Agbiz’s report. These increases, however, remain mild, as the supply of key dietary fruit and vegetable products in the country is abundant. This abundance ensures that any upward price movements will likely be constrained, preventing significant inflationary pressures in this category.

Furthermore, a closer examination of a typical South African household food basket reveals a moderation in meat prices, a trend that clearly reflects an improvement in meat supplies following constraints at the end of 2023 caused by avian influenza.

RELIEF FOR MEAT CONSUMERS