The new coronavirus has already impacted supermarkets and the health of the entire world, and it is no exaggeration to say that, supermarkets in many countries received an increase of 10% compared to the same period last year, in Brazil it would be no different, right?
But let's be honest here, what has caused problems for Brazilians in recent days is, mainly, the high prices of products in supermarkets.
We can say that among the causes of this price hike is also the high desperate demand of the people.
But as far as we know, in the last few weeks alone, there has been a rush to supermarkets across Brazil, due to many families' fear of running out of food due to the pandemic.
The increase in food prices reached 70%
What do the latest figures say? Between February 26 and March 25 of this year alone, supermarkets in Brazil, especially in the greater capital of São Paulo, recorded an increase of 11.4% in the number of sales.
But it doesn't stop there, it is also clear that supermarkets around the world are operating normally, although many are offering delivery services to reduce the flow of people and avoid more cases of COVID-19.
The São Paulo Supermarkets Association (APAS) reported in a press release that the increase in products this year reached 70%.
Which foods have undergone changes? APAS reported that they were: beans, rice, potatoes, milk, onions and garlic. At the Pão de Açúcar chain, carioca beans have not been available for a few weeks.
We have put together a list to help you understand better.
The percentage change in price of each product:
- Lemon: 72.1%
- Potato: 64.5%
- Beans: 50.3%
- Milk: 36.4%
- Onion: 36%
- Tomato sauce: 32.55%
- Garlic: 18%
- Rice: 9.8%
Apparently, the increase is not a decision made by the supermarkets. It is passed on by the industry, that is, the supermarkets are purchasing these products at a higher price, so they need to make a profit, right?
But ultimately, we understand that in many cases, you have to choose between buying the product at a higher price or not having that item on the shelves.
Above all, you need to be aware of abusive price increases.
However, the association says it is aware of possible price abuses. To this end, it is working together with the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS) and the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), part of the Ministry of Justice, to investigate these cases.
According to APAS, natural factors such as drought and low corn harvests could lead to an increase of 5% to 7%, which would never justify the high rates of increase in products in the supermarket.
You can also report it, did you know?
Finally, if you identify a price increase that you consider completely abusive, contact the association, which operates nationwide.
The email to receive reports is contato@abras.com.br.
Source: APAS