Argentines grill more steak despite pressures of 109% inflation

Argentines are expected to eat the most beef in five years in 2023, extending the country’s reign as the No. 1 steak consumer per capita despite the painful impact of 109% inflation on food prices, a Rosario grains exchange report showed on Friday.
The major beef producer, where “asado” barbecues are a key part of the culinary culture and steakhouses dot city streets, has seen in recent years beef consumption dip as prices climbed and diners shifted to cheaper chicken and pork.
That, however, seems to be partly reversing, even in the face of one of the world’s highest inflation rates which has badly hurt spending power. Analysts expect inflation could hit 130% by the end of the year.
“Despite everything, the traditional asado remains one of the pillars of the local gastronomic tradition, and a must at most Argentine dinner tables,” the exchange said, adding likely beef consumption this year would be 53.1 kilograms per person.