We are seeing a recalibration of the balance between the north and the south. For perspective, according to the UN, by 2100 the population of the global north will have grown by only 0.3 billion to 1.28 billion (11.8% of the global population), while that of the south will have grown by 3.7 billion to 9.6 billion (88.2% of the global population).

Global power dynamics have undergone a significant transformation since the last century, marking a momentous shift from the northern to the southern hemispheres. Until very recently, the balance of power was unequivocally tipped in favour of the northern regions, which had historically retained dominance over capital, assets, and the flow of information. The northern territories were regarded as the primary epicentres of economic prowess and technological innovation.

A discernible paradigm shift is currently underway, underscored by a noticeable stagnation in the north’s ability to generate groundbreaking innovations. Increasingly, the northern regions are casting their gaze southward, seeking inspiration and novel ideas from the burgeoning economies and burgeoning creative forces in the global south.

This fundamental transition in global dynamics not only reshapes the world as we know it, but also highlights the importance of the south as a thriving creative entity.

With that, we see the rise of southern flavours globally. Notably, South African culinary and gastronomic traditions have found a vocal advocate in chef Dave Chang, who frequently references South African food, wine, and beloved biltong in his podcast, The Dave Chang Show, thereby underscoring our growing influence on global tastes. In the UK, biltong has found pride of place in the Selfridges Food Hall with a dedicated biltong counter, and our favourite snack can be found on most supermarket shelves – labelled as biltong (not jerky). Watch out for a global biltong flavour takeover