DURBAN - A RECENT survey by PwC has revealed that it’s boding well for the South African pork industry, as consumers are increasingly considering sustainability as a key factor in prices and purchasing decisions.
The Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey released in December by PwC showed that pork remained an attractive, pocket-friendly alternative, available on average at just two-thirds of the price of beef and less than half the price of lamb or mutton.
According to the survey, more than half of the 9 370 individuals surveyed reported that they were more eco-friendly than six months ago.
However, 68% of in-store shoppers said they would continue to actively seek the best deal, compared with 42% who actively search for eco-friendly and sustainable products.
Eskort CEO Arnold Prinsloo said pork remains a top competitor compared to other forms of protein in all three categories, offering the benefits of affordability, accessibility and sustainability, in addition to its “great taste and versatility”.
Prinsloo said that further price rises were seen during the holidays, such as in the costs of beef and lamb, which proved to be expensive for many households.
“As households globally come to appreciate its relative advantages, this could finally place pork at the top of shopping lists where it belongs in a win-win for consumer health and wallets, as well as the environment,” said Prinsloo.
He added that electricity, fuel and animal feed, which saw food prices soar in recent months, had placed an even greater burden on consumer budgets, adding to the financial impacts of Covid-19.
Prinsloo said that amid growing consumer focus on healthier diets and lifestyle choices, pork also offered an important source of high-quality protein brimming with essential nutrients.
“This is precisely why pork is a protein of choice for athletes, patients recovering from surgery, or anyone seeking to boost their energy and maintain their long-term health,” he said.
They were hoping to see an increasing number of consumers switching from beef and lamb, as they now recognised the benefits of pork for themselves, their families and its advantages as a “gift to the environment”.
“With pockets under pressure, it’s vital to recognise that as a protein, pork punches far above its weight. We believe these factors will result in an uptake in demand during the year. While we have all suffered a difficult two years of the pandemic, I believe the future is bright, and that as an industry, we can look forward to a more positive year,” said Prinsloo.
Daily News