The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) reacted to the statements of the general director of Carrefour, Alexandre Bompard, about meat produced in Mercosur member countries. In a statement published on social networks, Bompard stated that meat from these countries does not meet the criteria and standards required by the French market.
The ABPA called the claim unfounded and argued that Brazilian products strictly comply with the health requirements of importing countries. According to the entity, Brazilian exports guarantee high quality and follow the determinations of the authorities of the destination markets.
For the association, the executive’s statement reflects a protectionist attempt that harms the balance of the French market, impacting consumers with higher prices and restricting access to the less favored classes. “Protectionism, in addition to being unjustified, goes against the principles of sustainability, promoting greater gas emissions and inflationary pressure,” highlighted the ABPA.
The entity also criticized Carrefour’s position, stating that, as a global organization with a strong presence in Brazil, the company must act based on the principles of competitiveness and respect for the free market.
Carrefour’s positioning
Responding to the request for the report, the company in Brazil returned a note with Carrefour França’s position. The two-paragraph report indicates that the measure announced by the local general director only applies to stores in that country. “At no time is reference made to the quality of the Mercosur product, but only to a demand from the French agricultural sector, currently in a context of crisis,” the note says.
The company also reports that units in other countries where the Carrefour Group operates, including Brazil and Argentina, will not suffer changes regarding the acquisition of meat from Mercosur.
Read the full note:
Positioning of Carrefour France
Carrefour França informs that the measure announced yesterday, 11/20, only applies to stores in France. At no point does it refer to the quality of the Mercosur product, but only to a demand from the French agricultural sector, currently in a context of crisis.
The rest of the countries where the Carrefour Group operates, including Brazil and Argentina, continue to operate without changes and can continue purchasing meat from Mercosur. In other countries, where a franchise model exists, there are no changes either.
