Agbiz responds to 2021 Budget Speech: Inclusive growth and fiscal consolidation critical for South Africa’s future
“In the most challenging budget for South Africa since the advent of democracy in 1994, Minister Tito Mboweni and his team have, within major constraints, provided the most reasonable balance in stimulating economic growth and consolidating the fiscal framework.
Five Predictions Driving Transformation in The Food & Beverage Industry
The unforeseen disruption experienced in 2020 has prompted food and beverage producers to future proof their businesses as far as is possible. While uncertainty seems set to continue for some time, through focusing on expediting time to market; food quality and safety; supply chain resilience; and the creation of omni-channel models, companies are putting themselves in the strongest position they can to embrace and capitalise on future opportunities.
Opportunity in the South African food ingredient market
A report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week gives the facts for US exporters, but should also alert local companies to the opportunity.
Five new farms attain WWF Conservation Champion status
WWF South Africa welcomes five new farms into its prestigious Conservation Champion programme that recognises environmental leaders in the Cape winelands. Conservation Champion farms are committed to regenerative farming practices, including conserving natural systems and biodiversity on their land and optimal water and energy efficiency.
South African citrus celebrates record breaking export season with 146 million cartons of fruit
“Ten months ago, in March 2020, we predicted a bumper export season, estimating that export volumes would reach 143 million cartons of fruit. Now that the final export figures are in, we can announce a record-breaking 2020 export season that delivered 146 million cartons of South African citrus to the rest of the world,” said Justin Chadwick CEO of the Citrus Grower’s Association in South Africa.
Vinpro Approaches Courts to Save the South African Wine Industry
As one of the oldest agricultural industries in the country, which supports the livelihoods of 269 000 employees, generates R55 billion in revenue for the economy and builds a strong brand reputation as a unique asset for the country, the South African wine industry has become part of our cultural and economic fabric.
Ban on wine sales: Stop the absurdity
Much more than the frustration in the market place of wine lovers struggling to get their hands on a bottle wine or than guests visiting the Boland being disappointed because wine tasting at an expensive cellar restaurant is also prohibited, farmers, workers and towns are suffering as a result of a draconic measure prohibiting the sale and transport of wine.
Cannabis industry could help reboot economy if laws are eased
The cannabis trade could dramatically bolster South Africa’s economy if authorities followed global trends and eased the country’s prohibitively regulated industry, according to the Cannabis Trade Association Africa (CTAA).
COVID-19: How to avoid workplace infections
2021 seems to have jumped in exactly where 2020 left off, with drastically increased COVID-19 infections that will affect workplaces.
Food prices saw large jump in 2020
Recent research from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PEJDG) shows that food prices rose by 17% over the course of 2020, going up faster than inflation for the year. In December 2020, the total price of a basket of food to feed a family in a month was at R4,002.42, marginally lower than the same basket in November (R4,018.22).