While major supermarket stores have assured consumers that they will try and keep meat prices as low as possible, the South African National Consumer Union (SANCU) has urged consumers to buy their meat products early to avoid the expected price hike.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the closure of Crafcor, one of the province's biggest abattoirs, is also set to push up the price of meat. The company is closing down its beef section, which includes slaughtering and feedlots, with hundreds of employees expected to lose their jobs.

SANCU spokesperson Ina Wilken said meat prices were set to increase because of the high demand during the festive season.

She said the price was expected to go up during the two weeks before Christmas and continue into the first week of January.

"I always tell consumers to buy well in advance, and don't wait until the last minute because then they will definitely pay much more," she said.

Wilken encouraged consumers to shop around for meat specials and buy in bulk, as it would save a lot of money.