AGRI-PULSE – RUSTENBURG - South Africa’s red meat industry is poised to capitalise on Algeria’s appetite for high-quality beef and lamb, particularly given its success in other Middle Eastern countries.
This is the view of Gert Blignaut, CEO of Beefmaster Group, who presented at a state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Algeria. Beefmaster Group was part of the state envoy to Algeria, on invite from the Presidency.
Blignaut noted Algeria, with its population of approximately 47 million people, does not produce enough beef to meet domestic demand, importing beef from Brazil, India and Europe. It also imports lamb from Spain and Australia.
Blignaut said in addition to having the capacity to supply in Algeria’s demand for red meat, South African prices are also competitive.
“We produce world class beef and lamb products that are very popular within the Middle Eastern markets. We have very good systems, controls and guarantees in place throughout the value chain to ensure a safe product,” said Blignaut. The Middle East and North Africa accounted for 58% of South African beef exports in 2024, and 93% of all lamb exports. According to trade statistics from SARS, five out of the top 10 destinations for South African beef are Middle Eastern countries, as well as the top three importers of South African lamb.
The South African red meat industry has repeatedly motivated for a growth in exports to ensure the long-term sustainability of the local industry. Beef is one of the big success stories of the agriculture industry. Whereas South Africa was a net importer of beef prior to 2014, according to Blignaut, the industry has now become a net exporter. With beef being the second fastest growing commodity in the agriculture sector, according to research by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, it is vital to open more export markets in order to sustain growth in the local industry. Although South Africa has existing trade ties with Algeria, beef has yet to feature in the export basket. Beefmaster Group sees President Ramaphosa’s state visit as a chance to enter untapped markets and forge stronger intra-African trade relationships.
“Even if farmers do not have the scale or ability to trade on the African stage, they can seek recognised supply networks or experienced partners to help them reach the scale necessary to take advantage of such opportunities provided by the agreement,” said Blignaut.
Over the past six years, according to data from the Red Meat Industry Services, cattle producers delivered an estimated 740 000 tonnes of beef, and 2024’s slaughter numbers reached close on 2,8 million. Beef exports are also set to top all years since 2018 and is expected to reach close to 37 000 tonnes.
