The new coronavirus has already impacted supermarkets, the health of the whole 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, would it?
But let's be honest here, what has been causing 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 spike is also the high desperate demand of the people.
But as far as is known, only in the last few weeks, there has been a rush to supermarkets across Brazil, due to the fear of many families of lack of food due to the pandemic.
The increase in food prices reached 70%
What does the latest data say? Between the 26th of February and the 25th of March of this year alone, supermarkets in Brazil, especially the great 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 doing delivery services to reduce the flow of people and avoid more cases of COVID-19.
The Associação Paulista de Supermercados (APAS) informed the press in a press release that the increase in products this year reached 70%.
What foods have changed? APAS reported that they were: Beans, rice, potatoes, milk, onions and garlic. In the Pão de Açúcar chain, carioca beans haven't been found for a few weeks.
We have a list for you to 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 of the supermarkets. It is passed on from the industry, that is, the markets are buying these products for a higher price, so they need to make a profit, don't they?
But finally, 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, it is necessary to be aware of abusive price increases
However, the association says it is aware of possible abuses in prices. For this, it works together with the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS) and with the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), of the Ministry of Justice, to investigate these cases.
Also according to APAS, natural factors such as drought and poor corn harvest can lead to an increase from 5% to 7%, which would never justify the high rates of increase in products in the supermarket.
You can also report it, you know?
Anyway, if you identify a price increase that you consider completely abusive, contact the association, which serves nationally.
The e-mail to receive the complaints is the [email protected].
Source: APAS
