ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – The Paraguayan Supermarket Association (Capasu) has announced a large-scale discount campaign for approximately 55 essential items during Holy Week (Semana Santa). However, the exclusion of key food staples such as fruits, vegetables, and meat has led to disappointment among consumers. The campaign will run from April 11th to 20th and will involve over 500 stores from 42 companies nationwide.

Capasu President Joaquín González explained that fruits and vegetables were excluded due to their high price volatility, making it difficult to set fixed discounts. "Prices fluctuate daily based on production volume and distribution processes, making it challenging to provide consumers with stable information," he added.

For example, major Paraguayan agricultural products like tomatoes and onions experience sharp price increases and decreases depending on the season and weather, a situation exacerbated by recent inflation.

Instead, the campaign will include household essentials such as detergents, yerba mate, wine, flour, and cooking oil, along with sugar, eggs, and beer. Eggs are particularly essential for preparing traditional Semana Santa dishes like Chipá and Tortilla, but their current price of 40,000 to 45,000 guaraníes for a tray of 30 is a significant burden for consumers. González emphasized, "We plan to enrich the Holy Week table by including eggs and sugar."

The exclusion of meat discounts is also a point of concern. Ribs, commonly used in traditional Paraguayan barbecue (asado) and a central part of the Semana Santa meal, were left out due to price volatility. González stated, "We want to lower the price of ribs, but this depends on the decision of the Paraguayan Meat Association."

The President of the National Congress, Basilio Núñez, has promised to negotiate with the Meat Association to discuss the possibility of discounts on popular cuts. According to the Paraguayan Statistics Office (DGEEC), the average price of beef is currently 45,000 guaraníes per kilogram, making it a major contributor to inflation.

Dairy products were also excluded. Milk and cheese are consumed daily in Paraguayan households, but their price instability prevented their inclusion. Some consumers have expressed their disappointment, saying, "We were hoping for discounts on basic food items, at least for Holy Week."

On a positive note, the campaign will offer discounts ranging from 20% to 40%, along with additional benefits such as bank promotions and cashback for credit and debit card payments, which are expected to lower the effective purchase cost. González stated, "We have made every effort to maximize consumer convenience." However, the controversy surrounding the exclusion of fresh produce and meat is likely to continue, raising questions about the campaign's overall effectiveness.

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