Bird flu poses supply challenge, South African trader SPAR explores egg imports

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Food company SPAR Group (SPPJ.J) is exploring the possibility of importing eggs from several South African countries, which are currently experiencing the worst outbreak of bird flu and egg supplies.

South Africa is currently facing an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (GAAP), which spreads rapidly among infected parties and causes high mortality.

Producers are warning of a shortage of pome pulp in the coming weeks after thousands of pome nuts died.

Meanwhile, food retailers Woolworths (WHLJ.J) and Pick n Pay (PIKJ.J) have limited the number of eggs consumers can buy due to limited stocks.

SPAR is working closely with its own brand suppliers and approved guaranteed stock partners and is “actively working with senior suppliers to explore new opportunities to ensure continued supply of eggs and further reduce risk”, Jacques, SPAR Divisional Commodity Manager Roets said. SPAR Group. .

“This diversification strategy includes discussions with several southern African countries about the possibility of importing eggs,” Roots added.

Last week, RCL Foods (RCLJ.J) said its Rainbow poultry unit posted sales of 410,000 francs, while companies including Astral Foods (ARLJ.J) and Quantum Foods (QFHJ.J), the country’s largest integrated poultry processors Peers say the pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the industry amid South Africa’s electricity crisis and Crescent, which is already overloaded.

Nqobile Dludla Edição Reportage by Alexandra Hudson