World Cup items have become 11.5% more expensive since 2022, points out Neogrid
Inflation of the most consumed items during the World Cup period continues to put pressure on Brazilians' pockets, despite a recent scenario of greater price stability.
At the request of CNN Money, a survey by Neogrid shows that, in a barbecue with drinks for 10 people, the average cost per person has risen 11.5% since the 2022 World Cup, going from R$50.91 to R$56.78 in May 2026.
The study analyzed prices of categories associated with consumption during football matches, such as meat, drinks, snacks and barbecue items, considering data from small retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets and wholesalers across the country.
The comparison takes into account prices recorded in December 2022 and May 2026.
Among the main villains of basket inflation are beef cuts. Rump meat rose 22.5% in the period, jumping from R$46.21 to R$56.67 per kilo. Sirloin rose 16.4%, while skirt steak rose 12.5%.
Also among barbecue items, charcoal accumulated an increase of 19.7%.
In soft drinks, soft drinks registered the biggest increases. The fruit-flavored carbonated drink became 21.2% more expensive since the last World Cup, while the cola drink rose 20.6%.
Beers showed more moderate increases, with an increase of 10.3% for clear drinks, while the non-alcoholic version increased by 13.5%.
The research also identified a strong fluctuation in so-called indulgence products and snacks. The chocolate bar has accumulated a significant increase of 67.7% since 2022, while snacks and potato chips have seen increases of close to 20%. On the other hand, some items recorded a decline, such as ready-made popcorn and snacks.
According to Neogrid, the estimated total cost of a barbecue for ten people went from R$293.06 in 2022 to R$326.67 in 2026. Spending on drinks increased from R$216 to R$241.10 in the same period.
Despite the pressure accumulated in the long term, the survey points to a recent slowdown in inflation in the World Cup basket. Between 2025 and 2026, the total cost per person remained practically stable, going from R$61.54 to R$61.19.
According to the data company, this was because falling prices for some proteins offset the moderate rise in beverages.
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Consumption
Consumer behavior during major events rapidly increases demand for categories linked to socialization and convenience, such as meats, drinks, snacks and barbecue items, according to Marcelo Alves, executive data manager at Neogrid.
"When industry and retail share data, demand intelligence and execution vision, they are able to respond more quickly to fluctuations in consumption and ensure that the right product is available, at the right time and in the right place", explains Alves.
Events like the World Cup require greater integration between industry, retail and distribution to avoid supply problems and waste, according to Neogrid's executive data manager.
"In periods of intense seasonal consumption, such as the World Cup, supply stops being just a logistical operation and becomes a joint strategy between industry, retail and distribution", says Alves.
The executive also highlights that, even with the recent adjustment in prices, consumption associated with the World Cup continues to put pressure on strategic categories.
"At times of seasonal peak, consumers are less tolerant of product shortages and more sensitive to the shopping experience. Therefore, transforming data into quick and collaborative decisions becomes a competitive differentiator for the entire chain", he explains.
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Source: CNN