Spar explores egg imports as bird flu hits supplies

Image by Erika Varga from Pixabay

South Africa is currently grappling with an outbreak of a high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a bird flu which spreads rapidly in an infected flock causing a high death rate.

Producers have warned of chicken meat shortages in the coming weeks after millions of chickens were killed by the outbreak.

Meanwhile, grocery retailers Woolworths and Pick n Pay are limiting the amount of eggs shoppers can buy due to limited stock availability.

SA retailers ration eggs as shortages persist

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Spar is working closely with its approved private label suppliers and partners to secure stock and also "actively collaborating with bigger suppliers and exploring new opportunities to ensure a consistent egg supply and further reduce risk," Jacques Roets, divisional commodities manager for the Spar Group said.

"This diversification strategy includes discussions with several southern African countries to potentially import eggs," Roets added.

Last week, RCL Foods said its poultry unit Rainbow culled 410,000 chickens, while its peers, including the country's largest integrated poultry processor Astral Foods and Quantum Foods, said the outbreak was ravaging a sector already burdened by South Africa's electricity crisis and rising costs.

RCL Foods culls 410,000 chickens amid bird flu outbreak

Nelson Banya  29 Sep 2023