RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – According to ABRAS Administrative and Institutional vice-president Marcio Milan, despite the drop in the month, the association maintains its projection of 4.5% growth in 2021 due to the positive results of vaccination against Covid-19.
“Vaccination today is quite advanced. The economy is virtually unlocked in its businesses,” he emphasized.
CHRISTMAS EXPECTATIONS
For Christmas, 51% of entrepreneurs in the supermarket sector expect sales to increase compared to last year, while 39% expect sales to remain at the same level as in 2020.
Among those who expect a better year-end than last year, 52% estimate a sales increase of up to 17%. Job openings are also expected, with 41% of business owners saying they will hire temporary workers to meet the Christmas demand. ABRAS estimate that 30,000 seasonal jobs will be opened.
According to Milan, with the restrictive measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus coming to an end, celebrations this year should be larger, with family and friends gathering. “We had many restrictions in December last year. This year we are going to be virtually free. In other words, families will be celebrating more,” he said.
INFLATION
Among the 35 most consumed products in supermarkets, coffee showed the highest price increase in 2021, with accumulated inflation of 33.9% through September. Sugar registered an increase of 30.3% and eggs 22.5%. This set of products cost an average of R$684.99 (US$126) in September, up 1.37% over August and 18.84% in 12 months.
According to Milan, the rise in inflation occurs in an international context of rising prices, in addition to specific issues, such as frost affecting coffee production in Brazil.