South African consumers have been paying more for food over the last twelve months. Vegetables saw the biggest increase with no end in sight. The Consumer Price Index for March released by Statistics SA on Wednesday, pointed to vegetable prices reaching new heights, while the cost of bread and cereals also saw a rapid rise.
According to the latest consumer price index report for March 2023 food and non-alcoholic drinks have been 14% more expensive than they were for the same period in 2022. Annual consumer price inflation was 7.1% in March 2023, up from 7.0% in February 2023. The consumer price index increased by 1% month-on-month in March 2023.
The consumer prices indices for all urban areas saw an increase, however, vegetable prices showed the biggest increase. Between February 2022 and March 2022, vegetables had a 3.8% increase in the price change. Between February 2023 and March 2023, vegetables saw a massive price hike of 20.5%.
As reported by the Dragon Fruit Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, much effort has been put into research on production practices for the Southern Africa climate, and this has led to an increase in both the total harvest and yield per hectare.
Farmersweekly.co.za claims that, as South African consumers are becoming more familiar with the fruit, local demand has also been picking up.
Source: foodformzansi.co.za