Contrary to cod, olive oil makes Easter lunch more expensive for Brazilians in 2024

Cod, olive oil and, for those who consume alcoholic beverages, wine. The Brazilian consumer’s Easter trio suffered price variations on both sides, but olive oil continues to make Holy Week purchases more expensive.

According to the IPCA-15 (Broad National Consumer Price Index15), measured in mid-March, the price of olive oil increased by 46.4% in the last 12 months and that of wine, by 3.7%. On the contrary, the price of cod fell 2%.

Due to the climate crisis in Europe, which is plaguing the largest olive oil producers in the world, the Brazilian Olive Oil Institute (IBRAOLIVA), which brings together agents from the Brazilian olive oil chain, informed the InfoMoney that the price of imported olive oil (consumed by the majority in Brazil) grew 92% on the shelves and the national one, 17%, considering the period from the week of last Easter, at the beginning of April 2023, until this week.

In the case of chocolate, the IPCA-15 shows an increase of 2.3% in prices in the 12-month period in the first half of March. Procon-SP found in the capital of São Paulo an annualized increase of almost 9% in the prices per kilo of sweets and 8.3% per kilo of tablets. Meanwhile, the price of a kilo of Easter eggs fell 15.5%.

Cheapest Easter

To help consumers save money on Easter lunch, Thiago Godoy, financial educator at Rico, lists tips for shopping for Sunday lunch. He recommends:

Plan the menu in advance

Make a list of the ingredients needed for the dishes you want to prepare. This helps avoid last minute purchases and food waste.

Buy in quantity

If possible, buy non-perishable ingredients in bulk, as this is often more cost-effective.

Look for discounts

It may seem obvious, but stay tuned and take advantage of offers and discounts in supermarkets and grocery stores to save on purchasing ingredients.

Split expenses

If you’re tight but still want to celebrate with others, be sure to consider splitting the lunch costs. Another solution could be for each person to contribute a dish.

Easter eggs

Godoy also lists tips that can “illuminate” the finances of those looking for Easter Eggs on the shelves. Look:

Lesser known brands

A well-known brand is not always synonymous with quality. Consider purchasing eggs from lesser-known and alternative brands, which are often more affordable.

Prefer chocolate bars

Instead of buying ready-made eggs, consider chocolate bars or, for those who have time, make your own Easter eggs at home – according to Procon-SP, in São Paulo, the average value per kilo of chocolate bar is R$86 .17, while the average price of an Easter egg exceeds R$300.

Size

If you are buying eggs, opt for smaller items or packages with less filling, which are generally cheaper.

Compare prices

Be sure to check prices in different stores and supermarkets to find the best deal. To do this, consumers must plan and avoid impulse purchases.