Rabbit meat contains a very lowcalorie content per serving but with a high concentration of protein. The meat has less amounts of cholesterol, fat and sodium as compared to other meat types. Due to its health properties, with the World Health Organisation describing rabbit meat as the healthiest available as a result of its high protein and low-fat content, the meat is now trending especially in European restaurants. In the South African setting, the demand for rabbit meat is increasing as a result of the growing number of producers making enquiries about this farming practices of rabbit. About 80% of South Africa’s rabbit meat is destined for export markets while only 20% consumed domestically (Thulo, 2020). Domestic consumption of rabbit meat is still low and the local market is still in its infancy stages of development.
Latest available global production data reveals that 1.48 million tons of rabbit meat were produced in 2017, respectively representing a 2.9% and 14.4% increase over a one year and 5 years’ period. China was leading producer, accounting for 62.9% of global production, followed by North Korea (10.4%), Spain (3.9%) and Egypt (3.8%), among other producers. The global trade balance value of fresh or chilled rabbit meat (020810) stands at R123 million, implying that there is a high demand for rabbit meat. By the end of 2019, Hungary, China, France and Spain were the major contributors to the positive global trade balance of rabbit meat, by value. Germany, Belgium and Italy are the leading importers commanding 21%, 19.2% and 9.3% share of global imports, respectively.
According to Trade Map (2020), the estimated global monetary value for a ton of rabbit meat is R80 568 (US$ 5 135) but some countries pay much more than the global average. For Market opportunities for South Africa’s Rabbit meat Industry 3 instance, Switzerland paid R135 624 per ton (US$ 8 644), Luxembourg (R133 051 or US$ 8 480), Lithuania (R103 130 or US$ 6573), Poland (R100 730 or US$ 6 420), Netherlands (R96 368 or US$ 6 142), and Germany (R94 909 or US$ 6049). In the case of live rabbits, Belgium alone accounts for close to 50% of global imports, largely supplied by Netherlands (88.8%) and Poland (6.7%).Other importers of live rabbits include Spain (8.9%) and Italy (8.6%). 3.2 South Africa’s trade performance rabbit meat industry Rabbit meat is considered to have a lower calorie count per serving and a high protein concentration compared to beef, lamb, chicken, fish, and pork, yet it is still a relatively unpopular dish in South Africa. South Africa is a net exporter of rabbit meat and live rabbits/hares. Domestically, consumption of rabbit meat is currently below 20% as compared to over 80% which is destined for export markets. Investing in rabbit farming could enhance food security while as well creating jobs in communities. However, to fulfil the food demand for a growing population, it is important to find different means of food production. Therefore, the rabbit farming is less costly, requires minimum inputs to grow and produces high-quality protein. It can be a great source of food protein. The expansion or commercialisation of the rabbit farming business in South Africa can also result in a positive spill-over effect on the socioeconomic environment, such as creating a source of income and employment.
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