The paradox of the economy and the strength of the ready-made dish

The Brazilian economy is experiencing a curious and challenging moment. On one hand, the country carries serious structural problems, with public debt exceeding 75% of GDP, high interest rates, and government spending that continues to grow above revenue. On the other, Brazil presents economic growth above expectations, unemployment at its lowest historical level, and firm consumption of food. Economist Ricardo Amorim defined this as a true paradox. “Brazil is experiencing a paradox: serious fiscal problems and, yet, economic growth above forecasts.” This contrast helps to explain why the basic food basket and essential foods continue to have high sales volume, even in a context of fiscal imbalance and expensive credit. According to the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (Abras), consumption in households rose 2.67% in 2025 (up to September), in real deflated values, and was 2.79% above the same period in 2024. The IBGE shows that total retail grew 1.6% for the year to date and ...