Rather unsurprisingly, we thought, research has shown that domestic workers play an important role in the domestic shopping decisions in Brazilian homes.  What was of more interest was the process of swapping tips and ideas amongst domestics and between the workers and their patrons, both directly about products but also where to purchase at the best prices.   The home often serves as a laboratory in which domestic workers test products that they then might use in their own homes.  Apparently workers often choose one or two equal products in their own shopping habits. Products of beauty and hygiene are the most influencial amongst the domestics, whilst the purchase of basic foods and cleaning products often reflect  those of their bosses.

The Research was undertaken by IBGE on behalf of the agency Avenida Brasil

On the continuing ‘green’ turn in the Brazilian market, the latest to joing the trend are the supermarket chain Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf). According to MundodeMarketing this week that they are to invest more in their own label range of organic products but also that they will build a 1600m² store in the interior of Sao Paulo state as a green concept store. The store will stock increasing levels of organic produce and operate under the premise of sustainability. Apparently all staff will be hired on their ability to prove past experience in the field of sustainability!
Within their stores, the company also announced a range of new organic jams and  cooking oils to their existing range under the brand marker ‘Taeq’.  The products are made from ingredients produced without the use of agrotoxics, including sugar. In total the store boasts more than 180 such products.