October holds a special significance for us, not only because of its vibrant spring charm but also because it marks the beginning of the final stretch towards 2024.

I’m proud to see that in the midst of economic challenges, the rising cost of living, and frequent power outages, South Africans have found hope and unity in supporting the Springboks as they defend their title in the Rugby World Cup. Our resilience as a nation has truly shone through as we’ve rallied behind our team, reminding us that even in the tough times, we stand together.  

However, as a business, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hardships facing our economy and consumers. Interest rates have climbed nearly 5% in the past two years, and there’s speculation of a possible 2% VAT increase in the upcoming Medium Term Budget Policy Statement to fund social relief grants. These changes could significantly impact the food industry and our customers, and we must be prepared. 

On a more positive note, I’m pleased to announce that our dynamic team made quite an impact at the ANUGA Trade Fair 2023. This prestigious event was a golden opportunity for us to meet with potential customers and suppliers, and showcase our dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence.  

Our presence at ANUGA not only strengthened our existing partnerships but also opened doors to new possibilities and collaborations with a wider international network. This was a chance to learn, grow, and gain invaluable insights into the latest industry trends and emerging markets. The knowledge and experience gained from this Trade Fair will certainly impact how we approach and strategically navigate through 2024 and beyond. 

So, despite the many hurdles facing our country, October has brought a sense of excitement and anticipation for the months ahead. Let’s make these final months of 2023 count and set the stage for a prosperous 2024.  

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to Hume International. To our new team members, a very warm welcome – glad to have you on board! 

In the news this month:

South Africa is facing a challenging festive season with a severe shortage of chicken and skyrocketing prices. Statistics from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) reveal that the price of a 10kg bag of frozen chicken jumped by R11.33 in August. This is close to a 3% increase in just 30 days.

This crisis stems from three main factors: non-tariff trade barriers restricting imports from bird flu-free countries like Poland, Belgium, and Argentina; excessive anti-dumping duties imposed on imports from major trading partners, including Brazil; and local supply issues due to the ongoing bird flu epidemic and other pressures.

South Africa's reluctance to reopen trade with bird flu-free countries poses a non-tariff barrier that favours local producers but hurts consumers and importers. Anti-dumping duties on Brazilian chicken have discouraged imports, which reduces competition and keeps prices high. Meanwhile, a new bird flu strain, H7N6, has caused massive poultry losses. Combined with unfavourable import tariffs, this will lead to even higher prices and reduced availability.

The local poultry industry also continues to face challenges like load shedding and deteriorating water infrastructures, passing further costs to consumers. Chicken prices had already risen by up to 15% in the first two weeks of September and continue to soar.

A temporary suspension of anti-dumping duties, reopening trade with certain countries, and aligning poultry quarantine regulations can mitigate this crisis. But without action, South Africa risks an insufficient chicken supply and unaffordable prices during the festive season.

Ultimately, it is our position that poultry imports are crucial for price competitiveness and filling supply gaps during times such as these, as relying solely on local production may lead to a price catastrophe.

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." -Rosalynn Carter.

We are on the road to 100k followers! 

Please continue to follow our social media pages and share and engage with our posts. You can find the links to our various channels below.

Dear Humeans,   

Congratulations to our September 2023 winner, Carolyn Grobler.

We're excited to announce an exciting competition aimed at boosting engagement within our fantastic Hume International family on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!

THE CHALLENGE

THE PRIZE

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Follow Hume International on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. (You can click on the icons under the social media section above ).            

2. Create your engaging post with #MyHumeExperience 

3. Tag Hume International in your post and encourage your colleagues to join!

Competition rules

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