Meal vouchers DESTROYED by inflation, lasts only 13 days

The value of meal vouchers for Brazilians has not kept up with the increase in inflation, which affects the average cost of eating out. A survey carried out by the Sodexo Benefits and Incentives Center revealed that surcharges depreciate in the face of price increases.

The survey took into account the average value of 40,64 reais presented by the Brazilian Association of Workers' Pension Companies (ABBT). The study noted that meal vouchers were issued for a period of 22 days, the number of working days for employees.

As Sodexo explained, from the beginning of the pandemic, until 2020, until June this year, meal vouchers will only last 13 days. A year ago, in 2019, the cycle was longer, reaching 18 days. In practice, this means that workers have to pay lunch wages for nine days.

Meal vouchers adjusted below inflation

Companies appear to be aware of the changes in benefit offerings and have made recommendations to recalibrate credit values. In the first quarter of this year alone, the number of food coupons provided by companies of all sizes increased by an average of 7,24%.

However, the increase in the adjustment does not seem to be enough to overcome the inflation rate. Inflation was 11,3% until March, according to the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA), which is measured by IBGE to show price increases.

Outdoor Eating Costs Rise in All Regions

According to the price cuts in the study, for those who need to eat out, the biggest price increase was in the Northeast, from 23,74 reais to 40,28 reais. up to 69,6%.

On the other hand, the dishes with the lowest variation were found in the northern region, where they cost 30,45 reais and are now 36,14 reais – a difference of 18,6%.

In the Southeast, the cost of dining out went from R$29,85 to R$42,83, and in the Central-West from R$26,85 to R$34,20, an increase of 27,3%. In the South, the average went from 26,55 reais to 36,97 reais, an increase of 39,32%.