Manufacture of Flour and Grain Mill Products in South Africa 2021

Manufacture of Flour and Grain Mill Products in South Africa

The grain milling sector is an important role player in food security as its products are the primary ingredients of South Africa’s staple foods - maize meal and bread. At least 20% of South African households have inadequate or severely inadequate access to food due to poverty and unemployment. Climate change, growing population, high food costs and farm murders could pose challenges to food security. Maize meal is the most affordable staple food option. Cake flour and pasta were amongst the popular panic buying food items during lockdown due to their extended shelf life

Production

In its production forecast for maize on 26 November 2020, the Crop Estimates Committee forecast a harvest of 15.41 million tons in the 2020 season, compared to 11.27 million tons in 2019. Local maize prices are expected to increase in the short term due to the weaker rand, growing demand for South Africa’s maize in the Southern Africa region and the Far East and generally higher global grain prices.

Imports and Exports

South Africa produces most of its maize products locally but imports some sifted maize meal. About half of wheat for local consumption is imported. Exports of grain products are mainly to neighbouring countries. South Africa has increased exports of maize meal, wheat grain, and flour to Zimbabwe due to the easing of its phytosanitary restrictions (measures for the control of plant diseases especially in agricultural crops) and import duties.

Report Coverage

This report focuses on the manufacture of flour and grain mill products, including the milling of maize and wheat. It includes information on the state of the sector, trade statistics and influencing factors including food prices and land reform. There are profiles of 18 companies in the sector including the large players such as Tiger Brands and RCL Foods and millers including Vaal Milling Company and Gideon Milling.