Just like with groceries the price of various beef cuts went up during the week albeit at a more subdued pace. For the first time in a while, we even saw some prices remain the same as those of last week. This will probably change as power issues come into play given that ZESA has been subjecting businesses to intense power cuts again.

Very low beef stocks in most shops

We have observed that a lot of supermarkets do not carry as much beef as they used to on their shelves. This covers both the quantity and variety of cuts which now tends to be more limited. OK and Pick N Pay still shine when it comes to variety and quantity although, by their standards, they seem to be carrying less beef just like Choppies and Food World.

Food World shops seem to be confining themselves to the affordable economy and commercial cuts instead of carrying everything. Choppies just sells value beef.

In most shops, if you want certain cuts you now have to request them from their in-store butcheries on demand. This could be a cost-cutting measure as few fridges are required this way.

We are not sure what’s causing supermarkets to carry less beef:

• Is it because demand has gone down due to high prices so they don’t see the point of stocking up on something few people will buy?
• Or is it the drought finally taking its toll resulting in reduced supply pushing prices up? We know most farmers are now loath to accept RTGS and bond.
• It could be a complex interplay of the two factors above.

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