“The year 2026 will be better than 2025”

Grupo Concepción looks to the near future of the beef business with optimism. In an interview with WBR during the Anuga international trade fair, Carlos Frederico, a member of the group, emphasized that “prospects for 2026 are better than those for 2025,” in a context of strong global demand and new markets opening.

Frederico explained that the group maintained intense commercial contact with clients from Europe, the United States, Oceania, and Eastern Europe. “Today was a busy day, with many visitors knocking on our door,” he said. In particular, he noted progress with Israel: “Two large Israeli groups approached us here. Negotiations with them are not fast, but if the numbers work, we’ll always do business.”

Asked about the impact of drought and cattle supply, he stated that “Paraguay knows how to work through adversity. We must make the most of what we have, learn from past mistakes, and look forward.” In Southeast Asia, he highlighted new sanitary approvals, especially from Singapore and Taiwan, which are strengthening Paraguay’s presence in that region.

The executive underscored the group’s advantage in geographical diversification. “As Grupo Concepción, we have great reach. We can’t export from Paraguay to China, but we can from our plants in Brazil or Bolivia. That allows us to access markets where Paraguay, as a country, does not have authorization,” he explained.

Regarding the increase in U.S. tariffs on Brazilian beef, he acknowledged that the group has boosted exports from Paraguay: “When difficulties arise, we turn them into opportunities. That’s how Concepción operates—working through diversity and always looking to the future.”

Frederico also analyzed the strong competition with Brazil in the Chilean market, Paraguay’s main beef destination. “Paraguay won’t be out of the game. Cattle costs have risen between 38% and 40%, and that’s reflected in prices. Some importers will be able to pay, others won’t, but we’ll remain present—even offering beef from Brazil, which is slightly more competitive,” he said.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence: “I have no doubt that 2026 will be better. There are geopolitical conflicts affecting trade, but we believe they will be resolved. When that happens, major markets like Russia and Ukraine will start buying from us again. We have very high expectations for next year.”