Meat demand in South Africa has fluctuated over the past decade, with notable dips in 2017 and 2020. The initial years from 2014 to 2016 saw moderate growth, followed by a slight decline in 2017 and a recovery through 2018-2019. A significant drop occurred in 2020, likely influenced by external factors such as the pandemic, but demand rebounded strongly in 2021. By 2023, meat demand stood at 3.76 million metric tons, reflecting a stable growth trajectory. Over the past five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has averaged around 0.25%, indicating modest growth.
Looking ahead, the forecast through 2028 suggests consistent growth at a CAGR of 0.35%, with a total five-year growth of 1.75%. Future trends to watch for include potential impacts of economic fluctuations, shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainable and plant-based alternatives, and any significant policy changes affecting the meat industry. These factors could influence both the short-term and long-term demand for meat in South Africa. Monitoring these variables will be critical for making accurate predictions and strategic decisions.
