Paraguay’s Ministry of National Defense awarded contracts worth up to G. 1.8 billion to provide snack kits for military personnel deployed during the WRC Rally del Paraguay.

The procurement attracted attention because it included products such as alfajores, flan, yogurt, chocolate milk, fruit juice and isotonic drinks. The contracts also covered savory products, including canned beef and minced meat preparations.

More than 2,000 military personnel were deployed in the Itapúa department to support security and logistics during the international motorsport event.

Defense Ministry Explains G. 1.8 Billion Procurement

The procurement process, identified as tender ID 490185, was carried out through the Armed Forces’ Logistics Command.

According to documents published through Paraguay’s National Directorate of Public Procurement, authorities considered the food supplies necessary to support troops during their operational duties.

The technical assessment described the supplies as essential for maintaining appropriate working conditions, personnel performance and health. Officials also argued that inadequate food supplies could affect operational continuity.

Meanwhile, the products were divided into six lots. Different military units received the supplies, including cavalry, infantry and Army divisions.

Members of the Army’s Non-Commissioned Officers School were also among the intended recipients.

Three Companies Receive Major Contracts

Five companies submitted offers during the procurement process. They were UNPAR SA, El Castillo SA, Carni Shop SRL, Camica SRL and Agropecuaria Itabo SAC.

El Castillo SA secured the largest contract, with a maximum value of G. 1.332 billion for two lots. Its listed prices included yogurt at G. 6,250, flan at G. 3,550 and alfajores at G. 2,600.

Additionally, Agropecuaria Itabo received a contract of up to G. 358 million. Those supplies covered the southern, northern and eastern areas of the planned rally circuit.

Carni Shop, meanwhile, obtained a contract capped at G. 110 million for the western region. Together, the three maximum contract amounts reach G. 1.8 billion.

Spending Raises Questions Over Government Austerity

The expenditure has also generated scrutiny because President Santiago Peña’s government has repeatedly emphasized fiscal restraint and state austerity.

ABC Color contrasted the procurement with that austerity message, raising questions about whether the spending was consistent with the government’s stated approach to public finances.

However, the Defense Ministry’s procurement documents justified the supplies on operational and personnel-welfare grounds.

The WRC operation required a substantial military presence. Armed Forces officials had previously confirmed that more than 2,000 personnel would perform security and logistical support duties across Itapúa.

ABC Color reported that it attempted to contact Defense Minister Óscar Luis González Cañete regarding the procurement but had not received a response by the publication’s deadline.