Carrefour, one of the largest supermarket chains in the world, operates in more than 30 countries, including Brazil and Argentina, two key members of the Mercosur trading bloc. Despite its global presence, Carrefour has faced challenges in some markets, notably its exit from Mexico in 2005 amid stiff competition from local chains and Walmart.
Last week, Alexandre Bompard, CEO of the Carrefour Group, sparked controversy with a statement on X (formerly Twitter) in which he stated that Carrefour would stop selling meat from Mercosur countries. As the main reason, he cited concerns about “the risk of overwhelming the French market with meat production that does not meet requirements and standards.”
Reaction of Mercosur producers
The announcement provoked swift and forceful reactions, particularly from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), which accused Bompard of using compliance with standards as a pretext to adopt protectionist measures. The ABPA stated: “The argument is clearly used for protectionist purposes,” highlighting that the Mercosur countries produce “high quality products that meet all the criteria established by the health authorities of the importing countries, as is the case with protein.” Brazilian.”
Compliance and Quality
Bompard’s claim was widely criticized, with industry experts noting that no country would import food products that did not meet strict health standards. Importing countries, including those in the European Union, conduct rigorous inspections and license production facilities before allowing imports. Brazilian chicken processing plants, for example, undergo regular inspections by foreign health authorities to ensure compliance with standards.
Critics argue that Mercosur’s success as a major global exporter of animal protein is not accidental, but the result of adherence to international standards and consistent delivery of high-quality products.
Retraction and damage control
Following the backlash, Bompard retracted his initial statement and issued more positive comments about Brazilian animal protein producers. However, many believe the damage was already done. The retraction did nothing to mitigate the perception that Carrefour’s stance was inconsistent and protectionist.
A double standard?
The controversy has also raised questions about Carrefour’s strategy for globalization. Critics have pointed out the apparent contradiction in Carrefour’s operations. While the company expands its supermarkets in 30 countries, it refuses to import meat from Mercosur, citing compliance issues that Mercosur producers and authorities have strongly refuted.
The incident has left industry players questioning Carrefour’s true motives and the implications this will have for international trade relations. Alexandre Bompard’s statements have highlighted the delicate balance between globalization, market protection and the credibility of food safety standards in global trade.