International
Inflation, recession force Argentines to eat less beef
BUENOS AIRESĀ - Argentines, famed for steakhouses, sprawling cattle ranches and asado barbecues, are consuming less beef than ever, forced to tighten their belts by triple-digit inflation and a recession. Beef consumption is down almost 16 per cent t
Beef consumption is down almost 16 per cent this year so far in the South American nation where beef has always been an essential part of the social fabric, along with football and mate tea.
Many Argentine homes have in-built "parrilla" grills where families gather. Steakhouses dot street corners around Buenos Aires and people will huddle around make-shift barbecues for a taste of beef, even on construction sites or at protests.
"Beef is an integral part of the Argentine diet, it is as if pasta were eliminated for Italians," retiree Claudia San Martin, 66, told Reuters while waiting in line at the butcher shop. She said she was willing to cut back on other purchases such as cleaning products, but beef was sacred.
"Argentines can eliminate anything, I believe, in difficult times like this. But we can't do without meat," she said.
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