Consumption in Brazilian homes increased 2.59% in the first quarter of the year, according to the National Consumption Index of Brazilian Homes of the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (Abras), released today (12) by the entity. The biggest change in consumption in the quarter was recorded in March, with an increase of 6.58% compared to February. Compared to March 2021, the increase is 2.41%.
“The first quarter was marked by the search for stores that operate with lower prices and the purchase of supplies concentrated in the weeks close to receiving the salary. For now, brand change, product substitution, search for more cost-effective packaging and private brands remain accentuated to compose the supply basket”, explained the vice president of Abras, Marcio Milan.
According to Milan, the research also showed that people returned to reduce consumption outside the home, cutting superfluous items to supply with income, which is more restricted. In addition, trips to points of sale were reduced, with more planned purchases, taking advantage of the moment when the salary was received.
“Consumers are looking to diversify their purchase channels. We have seen the purchases online growing, because the consumer seeks a greater benefit. In addition, they look for lower-priced packaging or the family discount, exchange the brands they use for cheaper ones, think better at the time of purchase and also look for products with the chain’s own brand.”
According to the data, the Abrasmercado basket composed of 35 products of wide consumption accumulates high in the first quarter of the year of 5.11%, in comparison with the same period last year. In March, the basket registered an increase of 2.40% and went from R$ 719.06 in February to R$ 736.34 in March. In 12 months, the increase was 15.45%.
inflationary pressure
“The increase is due to inflationary pressure driven by the transfer of production costs in the food chain, especially by the increase in the price of diesel oil, which impacts freight in the logistics of products”, said Abras.
The foods most impacted by the increase were tomatoes (27.22%), onions (10.55%), long-life milk (9.34%), soybean oil (8.99%) and eggs ( 7.08%). The biggest drops were registered in the prices of ham (-0.51%), refined sugar (-0.13%) and hind meat (-0.07%).
The South region had the highest variation in the average price and had the most expensive basket among all regions, with a rise of 3.38%, from R$787.85 in February to R$814.48 in March. The Southeast region registered the second biggest change in the price of the basket, up 3.16%, going from R$ 700.00 in February to R$ 722.14 in March.
In the other regions, the changes in the price of the basket in March compared to February were respectively: Northeast (1.93%), North (1.84%), Central-West (1.58%).
