The domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) is thought to have originated in Asia Minor as far back as 5000 BC to 8000 BC from the wild boar. Today the domestic pig is found all over the world and although some are kept as pets their main utilisation is as a source of protein.

Pork is the largest meat industry in the world with production expected to have reached 97 000 000 metric tons during 2008. South Africa produces around 2 million pigs annually and accounts for less than 0.8% of the world pork market.

It is estimated that around half of all South African pork is utilised by the meat processing industry to manufacture Bacon, Sausages, Hams and other meat products. This pork is produced by 400 commercial producers in an industry that employs 10000 people. There are around 4000 non commercial producers who slaughter 350000 pigs annually mainly for domestic consumption. The balance of the commercial production is used in fresh pork consumption in products like pork chops, roasts and gammons.