July 2025

The South African Chamber of Baking (SACB), an institution with a track record of many decades of industry service, will host its 87th Annual General Meeting on Friday, 25th July 2025 – click here for more information: https://www.sacb.co.za

As a member of the SACB, SANHA is honoured to stand beside this formidable industry body that has not only contributed to our national food security but also supported inclusive supply chains.

Bread, so simple, yet so significant, is a vital part of our daily sustenance. With over 7 million loaves produced daily, the members of SACB are the primary suppliers of bread to the nation. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and efficiency is unparalleled: one of our certified members, Albany Bakery, as an example, alone produces 200,000 loaves per day. A new mega-bakery under development in Gauteng is projected to deliver 1.8 million loaves per day, showcasing the massive scale and foresight of the industry.

This consistency, scale, and reliability are nothing short of remarkable in a world where food shortages have historically triggered revolutions. South Africa, despite socio-economic pressures, has never experienced a national bread-related fatality. This alone is a testament to the safety, quality, and resilience of our baking industry.

Behind this effort is not just automation or economics… it is also a question of ethics and compliance. The majority of these bakeries are Halaal-certified, reflecting a deep respect for the dietary needs of our diverse communities and underscoring the role that Halaal assurance plays in modern food production.

The Halaal Factor in Bread Production

At first glance, bread may seem too basic to warrant Halaal oversight and certification. However, modern commercial baking has introduced layers of complexity ranging from enzymes, emulsifiers, dough improvers, and colouring agents to coatings and glazes, some of which may originate from animal derived or alcohol-based sources. Even ingredients like L-cysteine, derived from human hair, or animal-fat-based greasing agents, pose serious concerns for many consumers.

SANHA’s mission is to investigate and clarify the source of these ingredients and manufacturing processes thereby providing assurance of compliance to both the industry and consumers alike. Our regulatory service ensures that not only do bakeries meet the technical standards of food safety and hygiene, but they also uphold the requirements of Halaal food production.

Today, SANHA certifies approximately 3000 establishments, including bakeries, flour mills, vegetable oil & fat producers, ingredient suppliers, snack manufacturers and confectioners, all playing a critical role in maintaining an unbroken chain of trust from selection of raw materials to the finished item on store shelves.

A Toast to the Bakers

As SACB convenes its 87th AGM, we take this moment to acknowledge their invaluable contribution. They are not merely producers of bread, but they are also upholders of public trust and food integrity. From the Cape’s earliest wheat fields in the 17th century to today’s world-class automated bakeries, the legacy continues…

“Let there be work, bread, water, and salt for all,” said Nelson Mandela, the first President of our democratic South Africa in his inaugural address to the nation. Thanks to SACB and its members, that vision continues to rise daily, reliably, and inclusively.

Let SANHA Help Put Bread on the Table