T. Ozbun
Research expert covering food retail and all food topics for Italy and Brazil
Supermarkets in Brazil - Statistics & Facts
Unlike their American counterparts, which initially targeted low-income populations with affordable prices, the early Brazilian supermarkets were located in upscale neighborhoods and had a sophisticated, modern air. Nowadays food retailers are present all over the Brazilian territory, reaching a total of just under 95,000 establishments in 2022. In that same year, the food and beverage industry in Brazil generated a revenue of more than one trillion Brazilian reals, with food retail accounting for just over seven percent of the gross domestic product of the country. Supermarkets play a significant part in this industry, as about 44 percent of all food retail sales in Brazil in 2022 were specifically made by supermarkets and hypermarkets.
Despite being the leading supermarket in Brazil, Carrefour was not the chain with the highest number of stores in the country. Among the leading supermarket chains, it ranked second, with more than 1,200 outlets in 2022. Among these different outlets, Cash and Carry was the most common type of Carrefour store in Brazil, with over 340 locations.
Carrefour Group, the leading supermarket
Carrefour is a French food retail group present in various countries in Europe and worldwide, including Brazil. In the South American country, the Carrefour Group has the highest market share of leading supermarket chains. More specifically, the French retailer had a gross revenue of 108 billion Brazilian reals in 2022.Despite being the leading supermarket in Brazil, Carrefour was not the chain with the highest number of stores in the country. Among the leading supermarket chains, it ranked second, with more than 1,200 outlets in 2022. Among these different outlets, Cash and Carry was the most common type of Carrefour store in Brazil, with over 340 locations.
Assaí Atacadista, one of the largest Brazilian food retailers
After Carrefour, Brazil's top supermarket is Assaí Atacadista, a cash & carry retailer which was originally part of the conglomerate Grupo Pão de Açúcar, before becoming an independent entity in 2021. Remarkably, Assaí Atacadista swiftly rose to become the second-largest company within the grocery retail industry, with a gross sales value of nearly 60 billion Brazilian reals and 263 stores throughout the country.
