The South African Department of Trade and Industry announced in its preliminary study from June 8 that the listeria outbreak has led to a decline of 75% in the demand for meat across the country, Ecofin Agency reports.
The pork sector was the most affected from South Africa’s meat industry with a drop in meat production of 50% and a decline in profits of about 40%.
Furthermore, according to Bloomberg, the Pork Producer’s Organization reported that two plants and one abattoir were forced to shut down their operations.
Although analysts expect the pork sector’s revenue to be affected, there is still a chance the sector might recover, as increases in beef and lamb meat costs should boost the demand for pork.
The listeria outbreak that hit South Africa in 2017 has killed more than 200 people and infected 1,038. In the meantime, the country’s largest food producer, Tiger Brands, was forced to dispose of more than 4,000 mt of products and expects to have its operations shut down for the rest of 2018.
