Global President of the retailer announced the measure this Wednesday; Brazilian government calls the decision protectionist and lacking technical justification.
Carrefour has decided to remove meat from Mercosur countries from its product portfolio in France. The company’s global president, Alexandre Bompard, made the announcement on Wednesday (November 20) in a letter to Arnaud Rousseau, president of the National Federation of Agricultural Unions (FNSEA). Bompard also shared the letter on his LinkedIn profile. Both the Brazilian government and the country’s meat industry criticized the statements.
In the letter, Bompard emphasized that the decision was made out of “solidarity” with French agriculture.
“Throughout France, we hear the despair and anger of farmers in response to the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, as well as the risk of the French market being flooded with meat products that do not meet our standards and requirements,” Bompard wrote.
The executive added that he hopes Carrefour’s decision will “inspire” other industries, beyond the agri-food sector, to strengthen the defense of French-origin food products. “I specifically appeal to the foodservice sector, which accounts for more than 30% of meat consumption in France — but imports 60% of its meat — to join us in this commitment,” he said.
In a statement to Valor, Carrefour Brazil confirmed that no changes would be made to the company’s operations in Brazil.
Protests in France
Bompard’s letter comes amid recent protests by French farmers against the importation of Mercosur products and the potential approval of a trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur. Farmers argue they face unfair competition from South American products, which are cheaper than those produced in France, where agricultural taxes are high and commercial rewards are scarce.
French agricultural organizations have been pressuring President Emmanuel Macron to slow negotiations between the two blocs. Protests coincided with Macron’s participation in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where discussions included the proposed EU-Mercosur agreement, which failed to progress.
Brazilian Agriculture Ministry Responds
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture rejected Bompard’s claims, asserting that the country’s “rigorous agricultural defense system” allows Brazil to maintain trade relations with approximately 160 countries, including the EU. According to the ministry, Carrefour’s statements are based on “protectionist” motivations rather than technical concerns.
Statement from ABPA
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) also criticized Bompard’s letter, calling it “unfortunate and unfounded.” The organization described the executive’s argument as “clearly aimed at protectionist purposes,” which undermines the principles of competitiveness and free trade. ABPA also stated that Carrefour’s stance demonstrates “a lack of respect for sustainability principles.”
