March 31, 2025
Reading time • 5 min
Illegal beverage production generated R$56.9 billion for clandestine industries in Brazil
In addition to the economic damage, the illegal production of beverages is associated with criminal factions that have resulted in a tax loss of R$52.9 billion due to tax evasion, according to a study by the Brazilian Association for Combating Counterfeiting (ABCF).
In 2022, organized crime consolidated a lucrative empire, generating R$56.9 billion from the production of falsified drinks only, according to the Brazilian Public Security Forum (FBSP). This figure exceeds the turnover of the country’s largest brewery, Ambev, which recorded R$42.6 billion in the same period, including non-alcoholic products.
The FBSP’s estimate is based on data from Euromonitor International, which indicates that 25.7% of the Brazilian drinks market operates illegally. To calculate the financial impact, the official production of the sector recorded by the IBGE’s Annual Industrial Survey was taken into account.
The impact of this clandestine market goes beyond the billion-dollar figures. It threatens public health, harms tax collection and poses challenges for the industry. As a result, the sector is looking for innovative solutions to guarantee the authenticity of its products and reinforce consumer safety. Trackability has emerged as an important tool in this fight, making each bottle a unique and verifiable item.
