South Africa Faces Low Food Price Inflation Thanks to Ample Harvest

South Africa's consumer food price inflation is expected to remain low in 2026 due to an ample agricultural harvest from the previous season. The country's inflation data continues to decelerate, with consumer food price inflation slowing to 0.6% in July 2026, down from 1.4% in June.

The grain-related products, fruits and nuts, and vegetables are all in deflation due to large supplies on the back of an excellent harvest necessitated by the La Niña rains. Meat price inflation has also slowed as slaughtering continues and supplies recover, despite challenges from foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and African swine fever cases in the pork industry.

The Crop Estimates Committee forecasts South Africa's summer grains and oilseeds production at a record 21.6 million tonnes, up 5% from the previous season. This ample harvest adds to already large stocks from the past season, keeping grain prices under pressure.