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 Brazil, reaching a total of more than 96,000 establishments in 2023. In that same year, the food and beverage industry in Brazil generated a revenue of more than 1.1 trillion Brazilian reals, with food retail accounting for just over nine 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 2024 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 close to 1,200 outlets in 2023, while AM/PM Comestíveis ranked first with over 1,500 stores. Among Carrefour’s different outlets, Cash and Carry was the most common type of store in Brazil, with over 360 locations.
Despite facing competition from other food retailers, Carrefour continues to maintain its leading position, surpassing all other supermarkets, and appears poised to retain this position in the future.
Carrefour Group, the leading supermarket
Carrefour is a French food retail group present in various countries 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 115 billion Brazilian reals in 2023.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 close to 1,200 outlets in 2023, while AM/PM Comestíveis ranked first with over 1,500 stores. Among Carrefour’s different outlets, Cash and Carry was the most common type of store in Brazil, with over 360 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 73 billion Brazilian reals and 288 stores throughout the country.Despite facing competition from other food retailers, Carrefour continues to maintain its leading position, surpassing all other supermarkets, and appears poised to retain this position in the future.
