SA Pork began 2026 with a focused and forward-looking engagement, hosting a SA Pork chef and influencer event aimed at exploring the role of chefs and influencers in shaping future consumer communication for the pork category.
The session formed part of SA Pork’s broader investigation into how chef and influencer partnerships can be utilised more strategically in 2026, not simply to promote recipes, but to inform, educate, and positively influence perceptions of pork among South African consumers.
The engagement was led by Christian Zimelka, Head of Consumer Education, who delivered a clear, thought-provoking presentation that unpacked the realities, challenges, and opportunities facing the pork category. He was joined by members of the Consumer Education team, representatives from Business Development and Communications, and SAPPO’s chief executive officer Dr Marlene Louw, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to transparency, education, and long-term category growth.
Addressing a misunderstood protein
Central to the discussion was an honest examination of why pork remains one of the most misunderstood proteins in the market. Topics included outdated perceptions, persistent nutrition myths, and the importance of modern, credible storytelling in reshaping consumer understanding.
These insights resonated strongly with attendees and sparked meaningful dialogue around how chefs, content creators, and media voices can help bridge the gap between production realities and consumer perceptions.
Engaging influential voices
SA Pork welcomed the first diverse group of chefs and influencers, each bringing a distinct audience and creative perspective to the conversation. Participants included:
- Nthabiseng Ramaboa
- Aiden Pienaar
- Tebo & Lebo Ndala
- Chanel Brink
- Zandeleen Thygesen
- Manelisi Ndlovu
- Media24 representatives Amos Mananyetso and Beatrix van der Vyver
The breadth of voices ensured robust discussion and highlighted the potential for authentic, impactful chef-influencer collaborations.
Laying the groundwork for 2026
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the session as informative, eye-opening, and empowering. Importantly, the engagement positioned SA Pork as a credible source of information and a collaborative partner invested in long-term category health.
This event marks an important step in SA Pork’s 2026 strategy, shifting the focus from short-term promotion to sustained influence, education, and trust-building. Insights gathered will inform future chef and influencer engagement models and content partnerships aligned with SAPPO’s mandate to protect and promote the pork industry.
SA Pork looks forward to the collaborations and conversations that will follow as the industry continues to tell the South African pork story together, clearly, credibly, and with purpose.
