Eskort urges braai index compilers to include pork for a more accurate representation of grilling costs
As beef prices soar, Eskort calls for the inclusion of pork in the Braai Index to help South African families keep the beloved tradition of braai alive without breaking the bank. Discover how this culinary hero could shift the grilling landscape.
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As South Africans search for inventive ways to tweak thier monthly budgets to make thier rands stretch further every month, pork producer, Eskort, has said adding its meat as an alternative to others can help with savings.
The Braai Index, a revered measure of the cost of cooking with fire, recently reported a cautious increase of 1.6% over the past year.
However, it’s the exclusion of a vital protein category that has led Eskort to issue an open letter to the index’s compilers, urging a re-evaluation of what constitutes the “essential items” for a traditional braai.
The Braai Index’s October figures painted a stark picture for meat lovers: while the price of beef surged by a staggering 20% year-on-year, wors and chicken have also seen significant price hikes. Overall, braai inflation reached 1.2% from the previous month, leaving many consumers feeling the heat—both metaphorically and in terms of their wallets.
But in what may be described as “the great protein oversight,” Eskort argues that the index fails to account for pork, a versatile and often more cost-effective option that could cushion the financial blow for braai enthusiasts. In their open letter, Eskort highlighted that while beef prices have skyrocketed, the inflation on pork fillet has only risen by 1.14%—a stark contrast that could save families from the exorbitant costs associated with beef, particularly as they prepare for festive gatherings.
“There’s an entire protein category that could save South Africa’s braai tradition – and you’re not tracking it,” Eskort asserted, effectively challenging the perceptions that the index perpetuates.
In their passionate appeal, Eskort insists that they do not seek to eradicate beef from the index but rather to offer a more accurate, holistic view of the available protein options for South Africans. Their argument extends beyond mere economics; it encapsulates the rich cultural practices of braai—instances of gathering and sharing that are integral to South African life.
“We believe that every South African deserves to gather around the fire without having to choose between quality and financial sanity,” Eskort’s letter emphasises, reminding readers of the affordability and exceptional quality of pork products.
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