GASTRONOMIA E ECONOMIA: IMPACTOS ECONÔMICOS, DINÂMICAS EMPREGATÍCIAS E DESAFIOS

Abstract

This study analyzed the economic aspects and employment dynamics of the food sector in Brazil, with a focus on the Northeast region and the state of Paraíba, from 2009 to 2021. The general objective was to evaluate the economic impacts and employment and remuneration dynamics in the sector, considering markers such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross Value Added (GVA), number of companies, total employment, and wages. The methodology adopted was quantitative, based on data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), using historical series to analyze the evolution of the sector and its economic and social implications. The results showed that the food sector is an important generator of jobs and income, contributing significantly to the Brazilian economy. However, its share of the country's total GVA has proven to be sensitive to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp drop in 2020, despite a slight recovery in 2021, but which is not even equal to the GVA of 2017. The Northeast region and Paraíba showed more consistent growth in the number of companies and jobs, standing out as areas of economic resilience. The gender analysis revealed persistent wage disparities, with men earning higher wages than women, even though women represent the majority of employees in the sector. Additionally, the purchasing power of the minimum wage showed a concerning trajectory, declining from 2016 onwards, indicating that nominal increases were insufficient to keep up with the rising prices of basic food baskets. The final considerations highlight the need for public policies that promote regional development, economic diversification, and gender equity in the labor market. The food sector, due to its economic and cultural importance, should be the target of strategies aimed at its long-term sustainability. Valuing gastronomy as a cultural and economic expression, combined with inclusion and equity policies, can significantly contribute to strengthening the sector and improving the living conditions of the workers involved.