South Africa Set for Lower Food Prices Amid Record Harvest
South Africa is expected to continue experiencing lower food prices in 2026 due to an ample agricultural harvest. According to Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, consumer food price inflation slowed down to 0.6% in July 2026 from 1.4% in June, which is the lowest level since 2010.
The country's summer grains and oilseeds production is forecast at a record 21.6 million tonnes, up 5% from the previous season, which will keep grain prices under pressure. Fruits and vegetables are also in a deflationary trend due to an ample harvest.
Meat price inflation has slowed down as well, thanks to vaccination efforts against foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and African swine fever cases in the pork industry. However, fuel costs may rise due to ongoing US-Iran tensions, which could affect food distribution prices.