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Picanha Has Become a Luxury in Brazil in 2024, With Prices Exceeding R$ 120 Per Kilo. The Scarcity of Supply, the Increase in Exports, and the High Costs Have Created an Economic Scenario That Challenges Consumers and Producers. As the Year-End Celebrations Approach, the Traditional Barbecue Faces the Harsh Reality of High Prices.
In popular imagination, the barbecue is synonymous with togetherness, celebrations, and a symbol of Brazilian taste.
But, in 2024, beef, especially picanha, has become a national concern.
With prices exceeding R$ 120 per kilo in some regions, the premium cut has become nearly inaccessible for many families.
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This surge in prices has reignited economic debates and has had direct impacts on the daily life of the country.
According to a survey by Correio do Estado, the price of picanha has doubled compared to the previous year in markets such as Campo Grande (MS).
In September 2023, the kilo cost R$ 56. By November 2024, this value reached R$ 115.98, representing an increase of 105.41%.
Other beef cuts have followed the same trend, registering significant adjustments:
- Sirloin rose by 43.97%, from R$ 34.30 to R$ 49.38;
- Top round increased by 51.99%, from R$ 30.64 to R$ 46.56;
- And ribs, although with a more moderate increase, had an adjustment of 15.20%, with prices between R$ 22.89 and R$ 26.98.
Why Has Meat Become So Expensive?
Experts point out that the beef market is cyclical and sensitive to economic and climatic factors.
In recent years, the retention of breeding cattle has led to an oversupply in 2023, but now, in 2024, the scarcity of finished animals for slaughter is driving up prices.
According to economist Staney Barbosa Melo, this lack of supply occurs amidst high internal and external demand, creating a challenging scenario for consumers.
Another factor influencing the market is the increase in exports.
According to Michel Constantino, PhD in Economics, beef exports have grown by 30% this year, driven by the appreciation of the dollar.
This makes Brazilian beef more competitive in the international market but reduces its availability in the country, exacerbating the problem for local consumers.
Climatic conditions have also played a significant role.
Periods of drought in some regions have reduced the availability of pastures, increasing production costs and consequently raising the prices of final products.
These challenges, combined with inflation and high operational costs, create a pressure scenario for the entire production chain.
Impacts on Families’ Daily Lives
The rise in beef prices directly affects the budget of Brazilians.
Many families are substituting beef with more affordable options, such as chicken and pork, to cut spending.
José Mário de Oliveira Barbosa, a mechanic, reported changes in the menu: “It’s impossible to eat beef every day. The way is to save and adapt the menu.”
Laura Mendes de Aquino, a secretary, emphasized how the price adjustments are affecting year-end celebrations: “With these prices, the family barbecue will have to be more modest.
It doesn’t fit in the budget.” These accounts reflect the reality of thousands of Brazilians who are struggling to keep beef as a regular item in meals.
In addition to individual impacts, the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) revealed that inflation in Campo Grande reached 8.71% in October 2024, well above the national average of 5.81%.
This data reinforces how the rise in food prices, especially meat, is putting pressure on families’ living costs.
The Challenges of the Meat Production Chain
According to the president of the Mato Grosso Meat Institute (Imac), Caio Penido, high meat prices reflect temporary imbalances in the market.
He believes that with the increase in the supply of animals for slaughter, prices should start to fall in the coming months.
However, this process may take some time, depending on market conditions and the recovery of the sector.
Another challenge for the production chain is the high production costs. The appreciation of the dollar, which benefits exports, also increases the prices of inputs such as feed and medications.
As a result, many cattle ranchers face tight profit margins, which discourages production expansion and prolongs the effects of scarcity.
Prospects for 2025
Although experts point to a possible reduction in prices, the economic, climatic, and logistical challenges continue to represent significant barriers to market normalization.
The adaptation of consumers and producers will be critical to facing this scenario.
With the year-end celebrations approaching, many Brazilians are wondering: will the traditional barbecue fit in the budget?
The rise in prices affects not only beef but also reinforces the need to seek structural solutions to stabilize food costs in the country.
Will the prices of picanha drop enough for Brazilians to return to their traditional year-end barbecue without straining their wallets?
Os mesmos especialistas que chamam a atenção para o aumento do preço da carne são os mesmos que defendem cortes nos programas sociais e diminuição no aumento de salário mínimo. Assim fica difícil. São sabotadores do país.
Passador de pano.. Toma vergonha nessa cara e para de desviar a culpa pra defender político incompetente