December 24, 2024
South Africa capable of capitalising on Algeria's demand for beef, according to beef supplier
Beefmaster Group, a South Africa-based beef product supplier to the Middle East and Far East, on December 19 said South Africa's red meat industry was poised to capitalise on Algeria's appetite for high-quality beef and lamb, particularly given its success in other Middle Eastern countries.
With a population of approximately 47 million, Algeria struggles to meet its own beef consumption needs and it imports beef from Brazil, India, and Europe, as well as an average of 100,000 live cattle and lamb annually from France and Spain.
Gert Blignaut, chief execuitve officer of Beefmaster Group, who participated in a recent state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Algeria, said this paved the way for potential exports from South Africa.
Blignaut said in addition to having the capacity to supply Algeria's demand for red meat, South African prices were also competitive.
"We produce world class beef and lamb products that are very popular within the Middle Eastern markets," Blignaut said. "We have very good systems, controls, and guarantees in place throughout the value chain to ensure a safe product. The markets that have already opened for us is proof of that."
The Middle East and North Africa are expected to account for 58% of South African beef exports this year.
According to trade statistics from the South African Revenue Services (Sars), currently, five out of the top 10 destinations for South African beef are Middle Eastern countries.
Jordan and Kuwait were the two top-importers of South African red meat, importing 5,406 tonnes and 4,797 tonnes, respectively last year. The United Arab Emirates came in fourth after Mozambique at 3,311 tonnes, Qatar at the fifth spot with 1,972 tonnes and Egypt at seventh with 1,016 tonnes.
- IOL