Food industry grossed R $656 billion in 2018

The food industry in Brazil grossed R $656 billion in 2018, according to data from the Brazilian food industry Association (Abia) disclosed this Wednesday (13). The value represents an increase of 2.08% compared to 2017. The category of animal protein accounted for 22.1% of the total turnover of the sector while drinks accounted for 19.7%, 10.5% and dairy, coffee, teas and cereals .2% .10. Domestic consumption grew 4.3%, with the increase of retail sales and the segment of food outside the home (food service). The exports sector has exported to more than 180 countries, which accounted for 19.3% of the total sales volume. China remains the biggest importer, with an increase of 37.6% compared to 2017. In the year, exports have had a fall in the order of 9.8%, closing at $2018 $35.1 billion processed foods against $ $38.9 billion in 2017. "The fall in exports was strongly linked to a reduction in the price of sugar," said John Dornellas, ceo of ABIA. Jobs food industry generated 13000 new jobs in the last year. The total investments in assets and mergers and acquisitions reached R $21.4 billion, an increase of 13.4%, against R $18.9 billion in 2017. "Some factors affected the performance of the food industry this year, as the employment balance was positive 0.5%," said Deana.