JBS, Marfrig to halt meat supply to Carrefour Brazil
BRAZIL – Brazilian meat suppliers JBS and Marfrig have ceased their deliveries to Carrefour Brasil following a controversial statement from Carrefour’s global CEO, Alexandre Bompard.
The decision comes after Bompard expressed concerns over the potential influx of South American meat into the French market as part of a trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc.
Carrefour Brasil confirmed the halt, noting the impact on its customers, especially those relying on the company for responsible and quality meat products.
The retailer’s statement stressed that they are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, assuring there is no immediate meat shortage in their stores.
The tension began when Bompard voiced worries on social media, warning that the trade deal could lead to lower-quality meat entering France, which would not meet the country’s standards.
His comments, directed to French farming lobbyists, were widely criticized by Brazil’s agricultural sector, which denounced them as protectionist.
Local media reports indicated that major Brazilian meatpackers, including JBS and Marfrig, have suspended their meat shipments to Carrefour Brasil, though the companies have not publicly confirmed this.
Marfrig refused to comment, and JBS has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.
While Carrefour has made it clear it does not source meat from Mercosur countries for its French operations, the Brazilian unit of the retailer relies heavily on local beef.
The beef trade group, Abiec, stated that Carrefour Brasil operates 1,200 stores, primarily selling domestically produced beef.
The group declined to comment on the supply stoppage.
Brazilian officials, including Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro, expressed support for the meatpackers’ actions, describing Carrefour’s stance as an attempt to undermine the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
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