Supply is normal, but transportation and people management are still concerns

This Monday (23), PMA Brasil, which represents the flower, fruit and vegetable chain, evaluated the weekend and the prospects with the new quarantine routine.

Supply is normal, despite specific issues of municipal prohibitions on the flow of production: from harvest to distribution. In the case of São Paulo, the State Department of Agriculture intervened and determined that Provisional Measure nº 926, of 20/3/2020, which amends Law nº 13.979/2020, be complied with, to provide for procedures for the acquisition of goods, services and inputs intended to face the public health emergency of international importance arising from the Coronavirus.

Pacificating the understanding of municipalities is one of the challenges highlighted by PMA, we are a Nation and everything needs to be connected:  “We have an industry that starts with inputs, planting, harvesting, logistics up to retail handling. There are thousands of people working 24 hours a day to ensure there is no shortage of fresh food, taking care of their workspace and their own health”, explains Giampaolo Buso, President of the Board of PMA in Brazil.

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The consumption of fresh products increased significantly last week, with supermarkets reporting an average increase of 30%. Some stores even doubled their sales. Online sales also grew. However, as of last Sunday, stabilization began, according to a survey carried out with some supermarket chains in the State of São Paulo. The population was frightened by the beginning of the quarantine, social isolation and doubts arising from government definitions and, in this scenario, sought to supply and stock food. However, in the analysis of supermarkets, for perishable foods, the tendency is for consumption to remain high, with more regular purchases as the population confirms that there are no shortages.

Retailers also report guidance and maximum attention to store hygiene practices as well as, in some cases, the installation of protection between the customer and the cashier as an alternative to avoid contamination.

Some items in the basic food basket, such as Potatoes and Eggs, were cited as being in high demand in recent days and impacting the price. According to potato producers, associated with the PMA, the increase in the price of the product is the result of a smaller harvest and a period of heavy rain, resulting in lower supply.

Supplies

EThis is a subject that has not yet been addressed and that we will follow closely in the coming days. The concern is that producers, fearful about the government's definitions, are holding back investment in new plantings. If the production schedule is not followed, there will naturally be delays in harvesting and supply problems. Some airlines do not have routes operating to regions where we need inputs (seeds, cardboard, etc.).