Adjustments in the minimum wage and civil servants influenced household consumption

In April, the accumulated growth reached 2.14%, surpassing the ones registered in February and March, of 1.98% and 1.44%, respectively.

When commenting on household consumption, the vice-president of Abras, Marcio Milan, assessed that “families have been able to better organize” their finances in recent months. He also attributed the results to the expansion of exemption from the Individual Income Tax (IRPF) LINK 1, in force since May.

On average, the value of the basic basket showed a slight drop, from April to May, going from R$ 751.29 to R$ 750.22. The value of the basic basket of 12 products (sugar, rice, ground coffee, meat, cassava flour, wheat flour, beans, long-life milk, margarine, pasta/macaroni, soy oil and cheese) closed at R$ 322 in May, 0.14% less than in April.

In the group of products that had a drop in price are soy oil (7.11%), beef – front cut (0.93%), frozen chicken (1.80%) and potatoes (1.90%). . Among those that were more expensive on the shelves are tomatoes (6.65%), long-life milk (2.37%) and shampoo (1.28%).

According to Abras, in addition to competitiveness, which makes the market spin, many brands have appeared on the shelves. This phenomenon, according to Milan, is also related to the multiplication of exclusive brands in the markets, which often end up being a more affordable option for customers. To cite an example, in May 2022 there were 71 brands of beans in supermarket chains, a number that increased last month to 73.

“Last year, with reduced income, the consumer started to substitute brands”, observed the Abras representative.

The perspective of the association, regarding the scenario that lies ahead, is positive. Other income increments are taken into account, such as those arising from income transfer programs and the payment of the Variable Family Benefit and the Gas Aid.