In a surprising turn of events, French retail giants are taking a stand against South American beef imports. The Les Mousquetaires group, led by CEO Thierry Cotillard, has joined rival Carrefour in boycotting meat from South America.
This move has ignited a fierce debate about trade, sovereignty, and agricultural practices. Cotillard announced the boycott on social media, citing food sovereignty and support for French farmers as key reasons.
He called for collective action, urging industries to show similar commitment and transparency regarding their raw materials’ origins. The ban extends to products used in the group’s private label items.
This decision comes amid growing protests by French farmers against the EU-Mercosur trade deal. They argue that increased South American agricultural imports, produced under less strict environmental standards, threaten their livelihoods.
The initial agreement reached in 2019 has since stalled due to opposition from farmers and some European governments. Brazil’s Agriculture Minister, Carlos Fávaro, has responded strongly to the French retailers’ actions.
He backed suggestions from Brazilian meat industry bodies to stop supplying Carrefour in Brazil. Fávaro questioned the logic of Carrefour Brazil continuing to sell local meat while the French parent company refused it.
Brazil Defends National Sovereignty
Carrefour’s global CEO, Alexandre Bompard, stated that the retailer would not sell Mercosur meat, regardless of the price or quantity offered. However, Carrefour Brazil clarified that this policy only applies to French stores, with no changes to Brazilian operations.
Fávaro emphasized that this is not about boycotting Carrefour but about asserting Brazilian sovereignty. He praised the Brazilian meat industry’s stance, viewing it as a show of respect for national legislation.
Six agribusiness entities also condemned Carrefour’s decision, arguing that if Mercosur meat isn’t good enough for France, it shouldn’t be sold in any Carrefour stores worldwide.
The minister expressed disbelief at what he sees as orchestrated action by French companies. He cited a similar case involving soy supply to Danone in late October.
Fávaro stressed Brazil’s commitment to sustainability, traceability, and ESG principles, while firmly defending national sovereignty.