Beef Prices Increase by Rs 20 per Half-Kilo Starting Monday

Starting Monday, April 13, butchers will pay an extra Rs 20 per half-kilo of beef. This increase will inevitably be passed on to consumers. SOCOVIA attributes this rise to the closure of the South African market, higher supply costs from Namibia, increased freight charges, and rising cattle prices in other markets.

From Monday, April 13, butchers will pay Rs 20 more per half-kilo. SOCOVIA, the main importer of beef, will raise the price delivered to professionals, with the half-kilo increasing from Rs 190 to Rs 210. According to the company, this hike pertains to the new shipment, as the previous stock has run out this week. At the central market, butchers indicate that this increase will certainly be passed on to consumers.

In an interview with Le Défi Plus regarding the basis for this increase, Fadil Surally, head of SOCOVIA, mentioned a "substantial rise in import costs." He pointed out three elements: the closure of the South African market due to an epidemic-related ban, the higher costs associated with the new supply chain in Namibia, and increases in freight and cattle prices in certain markets.

SOCOVIA has indicated that it had to turn to Namibia following the closure of the South African market due to foot-and-mouth disease. "We explored several markets, including Brazil and Argentina, and decided on Namibia because of the quality of its beef and the pricing," Fadil Surally explained.

According to him, this redirection required a new organization. "This country does not export live cattle. It focuses on exporting beef. We had to rely on one of our consultants in South Africa and the Ministry of Agro-industry, especially the veterinary department, to succeed," he said.

The company claims to have sent a representative to Namibia two months ago to oversee the selection and preparation of animals before their transport. This representative visits farms to select the cattle. Fadil Surally added: "He must transport these cattle to the designated quarantine area. At the same time, he must order food, vaccines, and medications, among other supplies, from South Africa to properly prepare them for the journey."

SOCOVIA estimates that sourcing from Namibia results in about a 35% increase in preparation costs compared to South Africa.

Furthermore, SOCOVIA points to the significant increase in shipping duration. The company states that transport from South Africa took about five days, while it takes 11 days from Namibia. "The journey from South Africa to Mauritius takes five days at sea. From Namibia, it extends to 11 days. Consequently, costs increase by around 20%," explains Fadil Surally.

SOCOVIA notes that it anticipated this increase by booking two ships in advance for March 2026, which helped mitigate the short-term impact. However, the company warns that shipments scheduled after April 2026 are expected to face a more pronounced increase in freight costs.

The announced increase primarily affects butchers. However, many expect it to quickly reflect on the market stalls.