7 Items Worth Bringing From Brazil
Brazil is known worldwide for its unmatched variety of natural wonders. In this article, we will list seven items that are worth buying in Brazil and bringing back home.
Brazilians usually bring back goods from other countries to Brazil, but there are some goods that are worth bringing back from Brazil as well.
1. Footwear
Brazil is the world third biggest producer of shoes, and acknowledged for its top quality and low prices. There is no specific place to buy good quality and low priced footwear as every region has its own manufacturing hub.
Women's shoes tend to be a lot cheaper in Brazil than in comparison to other countries. Especially ballet shoes, trainers, sandals and leather shoes.
Havaiana Flip-flops are a unique Brazilian product. In 2000 when Havaianas became a global trend, they were up to 10 or even 15 times more expensive in other countries than in Brazil. Although this number has decreased it is still very advantageous to buy Havaiana flip-flops in Brazil.
Although flip-flops can not be reduced to just Havaianas, they play a big part in the internal and foreign market. Not to mention that in Brazil you have a much larger selection of colors and designs, and even have the “make your own Havaiana” option.
2. Cachaça
Brazils most commonly known exported product, the alcoholic beverage, also known as Pinga, is a distilled spirit made out of sugarcane. Despite last year’s exported volume of 17 million litres, the best cachaças are still found in Brazil, where local producers create different kinds of cachaça in smaller quantities. The states where the best artisanal cachaças - the ones where the production process is longer, and specific to individual producers - are made in Mina Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Industrial cachaças, the cheapest ones, are sold in Brazil for USD 2,70 and are comparable to what you can find in the United States for USD 25,00.
3. Beach Clothing
With some of the best beaches and longest coastlines in the world, it is reasonable to admit that Brazilians are experts in manufacturing beach clothing. Their bikinis have a distinct cut, are colourful and come in a variety of designs. Their beach sarongs are also renowned for their design and vivid colors. And, on top of that, their prices are very low.
4. Products made from Brazilian typical fruits
Açaí, Cupuaçu, Guaraná, Jabuticaba, Carambola, Mangaba, Graviola, Acerola. The list is endless. Brazil has an infinity of local fruits that the Brazilians have turned into hundreds of derivative objects thanks to their color and uniqueness. Jewelry, sweets and cosmetics can be found throughout the country with each region producing its own specific fruit, although production is mainly centered in the Northern and Northeastern parts of Brazil. For example, açaí seed bracelets can be found in Brazil for USD 3,50 but are sold online in the United States for USD 10,00 whilst 1 litre of açaí juice is sold in Brazil for USD 10,00 whereas in the United Kingdom it is sold for USD 42,50.
5. Gemstones
Brazil produces more than 90 different types of gemstones. The ones commonly known in Brazil are aquamarines, amethysts, diamonds, emeralds, topazes and tourmalines. They can be used in various ways, whether they are lapidated and used in jewelry, or in their pure form as an amulet. The largest gem producing states are Bahia and Minas Gerais. Visitors have reported that gemstones bought in the Brazilian countryside for USD 75 were valued at USD 375 by jewelry stores in New York, five times the original price.
6. Leather goods
Brazil is the second largest producer and the fourth largest exporter of leather goods in the world. The leather goods industry developed mainly because Brazil is home to the largest commercial cattle herd, ensuring a large supply of raw material. Leather goods in Brazil worth buying are, footwear, accessories, bags and clothing.
It is important to remember that leather goods are not considered a luxury good in Brazil, which is opposite to most of the western world. This makes it possible to find real leather goods at a relatively low price, although the designs and the finish might not be the same as international standards.
7. Copper cookware
Copper is known worldwide for its superior capacity in distribution of heat and high durability, making copper cookware a must-have for cooks around the globe. It is best used for frying and making sweets. The difference in prices here is substantial: shops in the state of Minas Gerais, where there is a culture of cooking with copper cookware a 1 litre copper saucepan costs USD 45,00. In comparison, in New York, the average price for a 1 litre copper saucepan is USD 200.