WILL somebody who understands the inner workings of the food industry please clarify something.
Ever since the rand collapsed, the prices of locally grown and produced fresh produce and food products have shot through the roof. There is no dollar, pound or Euro connection because the products are grown in South Africa, with rand input costs. Why, then, have food prices escalated by up to 50% in the past few months?
Sugar that was available quite easily at about R24 per 2,5 kg packet is now R35. I understand that there was a threat of added tax on sugar but that matter is still to be discussed at industry level and it applies only to sugar used in soft drinks. Why, then, is household sugar suddenly “taxed” at R4 per kg?
And the less said about breakfast cereals, the better for my blood pressure.
My point is that these producers rely on the South African public for their prosperity. It is time to stop amputating the hand that feeds you.
GORDON HALL
