The price of beef in Brazil has accumulated an increase of 22.2% in one year, four times above the inflation rate for the period, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Despite the higher cost, red meat remains present on Brazilian tables, although with adjustments in consumption.
A survey by consultancy Worldpanel by Numerator showed that beef penetration in Brazilian households reached 93% in the first quarter of 2025, a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. It currently represents about one third of household spending on proteins.
Daniela Jakobovski, account director at the consultancy, pointed out that beef retains a cultural weight in the national diet. “The basic diet of Brazilians is rice, beans and protein. Chicken has the highest penetration, close to 95%, but beef remains the favorite,” she stressed.
Although beef is still in the shopping cart, the higher prices are changing consumption habits. “When the price goes up, the volume purchased per store visit decreases. It’s not a reduction in frequency, but in quantity, as a way of adjusting the budget,” explained Jakobovski. The consultancy also notes a change in cuts throughout the month. “At the beginning, more premium cuts predominate; then branded ground beef appears, and towards the end other unbranded cuts are chosen,” she said.
Source: O Tempo
