Brasil
February 21th, 2025
1. Food industry revenue reaches R$1.2 trillion in 2024
The revenue of the food industry surpassed the one trillion mark for the third consecutive year, reaching R$ 1.277 trillion, according to the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA). This figure represents a 9.98% increase compared to the previous year and accounts for 10.8% of Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Of the total industry revenue, 72% (R$ 918 billion) came from the domestic market, while 28% (R$ 66.3 billion) was generated from foreign trade. Real sales grew by 6.1%, and physical production increased by 3.2%, reaching 283 million tons of food. The fastest-growing segments were food service (+10.4%) and food retail (+8.8%).
CNN Brasil: Faturamento da indústria de alimentos atinge R$ 1,2 tri em 2024, diz Abia
2. Household consumption drops 0.2% in February
The Household Consumption Intention (ICF), calculated by the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC), fell by 0.2% in February compared to January, reaching 104.5 points. Compared to February last year, the decline was more significant, at 1.1%.
From January to February, three of the seven topics assessed to calculate the index recorded declines: current income (-0.5%), consumption outlook (-1.1%), and the timing of durable goods purchases (-1.6%). In the same comparison, increases were observed in current employment (+0.2%), current consumption level (+0.3%), professional outlook (+0.4%), and access to credit (+0.2%).
Valor Econômico: Consumo das famílias cai 0,2% em fevereiro ante janeiro, diz CNC
3. ANP auctions four pre-salt blocks in Bacia de Campos
Four more pre-salt blocks will be auctioned under the Permanent Offer system of the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP). The projects are expected to generate over R$ 522 billion throughout their lifespan, with nearly R$ 1 billion in signing bonuses anticipated for 2025 alone. Additionally, investments of R$ 511 billion are projected.
The blocks will be auctioned under the production-sharing regime, in which the company exploring the area gives a portion of the production to the federal government, which can then resell the oil. According to the ANP, nearly 80% of last year’s 4.3 million barrels of oil production came from pre-salt fields.
Agência Brasil: ANP leiloa quatro blocos do pré-sal na Bacia de Campos
4. This year’s Easter egg prices impacted by 189% cocoa price surge
Cocoa prices have increased by an average of 189%, reaching peaks of up to 300%, over the 12 months leading up to December 2024. This surge is expected to have a knock-on effect on the cost of Easter eggs this year, according to estimates from the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA). Although not all of the increase will be passed on to consumers, price adjustments are likely to reflect the chocolate industry’s variations over the past year.
The food industry expects consumers to find Easter eggs with a variety of fillings, such as biscuits, to help mitigate costs, and prices are not expected to rise sharply beyond inflation levels. According to the National Consumer Price Index (IPCA), chocolate prices rose 11.99% in the past 12 months, while cocoa prices surged due to a supply crisis driven by climate and health-related issues in Africa, reducing global availability.
5. Bolsonaro indicted for allegedly leading coup plot
Former president Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted by Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court (STF) following accusations from Attorney General Paulo Gonet of leading an attempted to prevent the current president from taking office coup after he lost the 2022 elections.
The 272-page indictment from the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR) charges Bolsonaro with crimes including attempting to violently abolish the democratic rule of law, attempting a coup d’état, causing qualified damage through violence and grave threats against Union property, deterioration of protected heritage, and participation in a criminal organization.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a maximum sentence of up to 43 years in prison, not including possible sentence aggravations. He may also be deemed ineligible to run for public office for a longer period than the eight years previously imposed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). In addition to Bolsonaro, 33 people have also been indicted, including military personnel and former ministers.
Folha de São Paulo: Bolsonaro é denunciado sob acusação de liderar trama golpista