Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock receives apology from Carrefour Group CEO

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has officially received a letter from Carrefour Group CEO Alexandre Bompard, issued on Tuesday (26). In the letter, Bompard clarifies his previous comments supporting French farmers and acknowledges the superior quality, adherence to standards, and exceptional flavor of Brazilian beef. 

"We recognize that Brazilian agriculture produces high-quality meat that complies with international standards and offers excellent flavor. If Carrefour France's communication caused confusion or was perceived as questioning our partnership with Brazilian agriculture or as a criticism, we sincerely apologize," reads an excerpt from the letter. 

Brazil’s rigorous agricultural defense system, which has established the country as the world’s largest exporter of poultry and beef, underscores Mapa’s commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability in agribusiness. 

Mapa commends the outstanding efforts of the Brazilian agricultural sector, including the proactive leadership of industry associations and their members, in delivering products of excellence to consumers in over 160 countries worldwide. 

The robust diplomatic relations cultivated by the Brazilian government have enabled the addition of 281 new markets to Brazil's diverse portfolio of agricultural products over the past two years. 

Mapa remains steadfast in its mission to address any misinformation, ensuring that unfounded statements do not undermine the country’s advanced agricultural defense system or the production of high-quality goods that align with one of the world's most stringent environmental legislations. 

Full letter: 

To the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil, 
Mr. Carlos Fávaro, 

Carrefour France's statement in support of French farmers has led to misunderstandings in Brazil. As CEO of Carrefour Group and a long-standing ally of your nation, I wish to clarify my position respectfully. 

Carrefour operates as a decentralized organization, deeply embedded in the culture of each country—French in France and Brazilian in Brazil. 

In France, Carrefour is the leading partner of French agriculture. We source almost all our French meat exclusively in France, and we will continue to do so. Carrefour France’s decision is not intended to alter the rules of a French market that is already largely structured around local supply chains. It is a legitimate way to reassure French farmers, who are in the midst of a severe crisis, of the sustainability of our support and our local purchasing. 

On the other side of the Atlantic, we source the vast majority of our Brazilian meat in Brazil and will continue to do so. The same values of rootedness and partnership have inspired our relationship with the Brazilian agricultural sector for 50 years. We witness and appreciate daily its professionalism and commitment to the land and livestock. 

Carrefour Group Brazil is deeply rooted in the country, employing over 130,000 people. Under my leadership, the company has grown and thrived through close partnerships with Brazilian producers and suppliers, consistently valuing the hard work of the agricultural sector and focusing on meeting customer needs. In recent years, we have accelerated our development, doubling both our investments in Brazil and our purchases from the nation's agricultural sector. Notably, Brazil has become the top destination for Carrefour's investments during my tenure as CEO, highlighting our strong commitment and ambition for the country. We remain dedicated to celebrating local production, supporting key stakeholders, and driving the growth of Brazil’s economy. 

We know that Brazilian agriculture provides high-quality meat, complies with regulations, and offers excellent flavor. We regret that our communication has been perceived as a questioning of our partnership with Brazilian agriculture or as criticism of it. 

The Carrefour Group is committed to promoting sustainable and prosperous agriculture in both France and Brazil, in line with its mission: the food transition for all. "I assure you, Mr. Minister, of our long-term commitment alongside Brazilian agriculture and producers. 

I take this opportunity to renew my expressions of esteem and consideration. 

Sincerely, 
Alexandre Bompard 
CEO of the Carrefour Group 


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