Eating meat has become a habit for most Brazilians. But for Christians, when Lent arrives, the habit is to eat fish or eggs, as a sign of respect, fasting and abstinence.
That is why Christian families are notable for their demand for fish in supermarkets during this period, which commonly causes prices to rise.
According to Marcos Antônio, responsible for purchasing at a supermarket chain in Rattlesnake, this year the price of tilapia is expected to increase. “There is no supply from tilapia suppliers, which is why the price is 5% more expensive than last year.”
Odair Aparecido, assistant manager, explained that tilapia cost R$16.98 per kilo, now the expectation is that it could reach R$17.8.
“If there is any promotion, it will be next week, because if suppliers lower their prices, we will be able to buy in larger quantities, reducing the cost to the end consumer,” he added.
Egg consumption
The demand for chicken eggs has been on the rise for some time now, given the excessive increase in the price of red meat. This alone has made eggs an alternative and, with it, has come an increase in prices, and it is unlikely to stop there.
Gislaine Bebber is the manager of another supermarket chain and explains that every week the so-called egg measurement is done. “This week eggs are costing R$5.99, but every week there is a change, around a R$10% increase.”
Given these characteristics, the arrival of Lent should see the protein dozen at its peak, reaching R$6.60 per tray next week.
Generally, red and white eggs are found in the markets, however, according to the manager, the preference has been for eggs with red shells and the explanation is simple.
“White eggs are more sensitive and break more easily because the shell is thinner, but this does not affect the value,” he said.
For those who can't do without a fried egg, boiled egg or egg in specific dishes, the information is not very encouraging. The promotions, with the dozen less than R$ 3, are practically ruled out until Easter arrives.