Havaianas & Co: Famous Brazilian Brands

One likes to return from a journey with more than just beautiful photos. So many Brazilian tourists choose a souvenir before flying home. In addition to artisan merchandise, coffee and cachaça (sugar cane schnapps), the famous Brazilian flip-flop brand Havaianas often goes in the luggage.
Undoubtedly, the selection is the largest in Brazil. But you don't have to travel far for some Brazilian brands. We would like to introduce you to some of these products, that have made it to the world stage.

Let's start with probably the most famous flip flops of all time. The Brazilian brand Havaianas has been on the market since 1962 and is produced by Alpargatas in São Paulo. The Japanese sandal Zori was the inspiration for its design, while the name is derived from the island state of Hawaii. In the 1960s, Hawaii was the go-to holiday paradise for rich Americans and inspired the inventors of Havaianas, as the flip flops are designed for warm climate. The Japanese make their version from rice straw, whereas the Brazilians use rubber. Rubber is a material naturally found in Brazil, which makes Havaianas durable, comfortable and flexible. The footbed of the Brazilian brand is based on rice grains, a unique selling point in the shoe market and patented since 1966.
Because the flip flops were so practical and affordable, they quickly began their triumphal march among the Brazilian working class. At first, Havaianas were only available with blue and white soles with blue straps. In the 1980s, Havaianas became official national heritage of Brazil. Presently, some several million pairs go over the counter every year. The most popular version of the rubber sandals, with a Brazilian flag on the outer strap, was designed in 1998 on the occasion of the World Cup. How could it be any different in a soccer-crazy country like Brazil?
Havaianas are available in all imaginable color variations and there are theme-specific printed collections and continuous innovations. International stars and starlets like to present themselves to the public with the Brazilian brand on their feet, which is nowadays distributed worldwide. In Brazil, the flip flops can be personalized upon request when purchased. Directly in the store, the sales staff rivets on selected gems.

Let's move on to our next bestseller. The Brazilian jewelry manufacturer HStern joins the ranks of international fine jewelers such as Cartier and Bulgari. Exclusive designs with a classic and modern touch adorn celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches are a part of this Brazilian brand's repertoire.
It all began in Rio de Janeiro, where Hans Stern, who immigrated from Germany, settled. He initially worked for an import-export company in the mineral industry. On a trip to Minas Gerais, Stern discovered his fascination for Brazilian stones, which he brought to Rio and sold to foreigners. In 1945, Hans Stern opened a small shop opposite of Rio's traditional confectionery Colombo. Initially, he only traded there with precious stones before he set up his first studio. Stern focused his business on particular Brazilian gemstones: amethyst, topaz, tourmaline and aquamarine. His concentration differed from the competition, who worked on rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
HStern quickly expanded abroad. In 1949, the first jewelry stores opened their doors in Uruguay and Argentina. In 1963, HStern opened branches in the United States and later in Europe. Since 1975, the brand's landmark has been in the annual "Trunk Show." In Brazil, the United States, Germany, Israel and Peru, HStern jewelers accept old pieces of gold jewelry. These are weighed, evaluated and credited to customers when they purchase new precious items.

Apart from flip flops, no other product stands for Brazil as much as coffee. We dedicate our attention to the Brazilian brand Pilão. Translated from Portuguese, the name means "mortar" and refers to the grinding process of the coffee beans.
The success story of the current market leader in Brazil began at the end of the 1970s. Pilão was launched in 1978 with the aim of producing coffee, that precisely meets the taste buds of Brazilians. Pilão is full-bodied and strong, as it's made mainly from coffee beans of the Robusta variety. Brazilian consumers like it the same way, so Pilão quickly gained a good reputation among the population, especially in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. With a constantly developing product range and sophisticated advertising, the brand has created close customer loyalty. With growing success, the Brazilian brand attracted the attention of the American food company Sara Lee. In 2000, entrepreneurs in the United States took over business control, which helped Pilão to become the number-one coffee brand in Brazil. The brand is also known internationally and can be purchased in online shops or stores all over South America.

Finally, we take a look at the sugar cane schnaps producer Pitú, world market leader and market leader in the Northeast of Brazil. The traditional beverage manufacturer began producing its own cachaça in Vitória de Santo Antão, in Pernambuco, in 1930. A suitable name for the Brazilian brand was quickly found. Pitú refers to crabs, that lived in large numbers in a stream, that cut the sugar cane fields when the distillery was founded. The label has been printed with this very crab since 1944.
Two families have been managing the company for generations, which has contributed significantly to its consistency and success. In the 1970s, exportation to Europe began. Since the 1980s, Pitú has also been on the shelves of stores in the United States. Today, the company is present in over fifty countries and produces more than ninety-million liters per year. Lovers of caipirinha will be familiar with this Brazilian brand and will have consumed it several times in a bar.

This list of well-known Brazilian brands could be extended even further as many have established themselves in the world market. The aircraft manufacturer Embraer is the fourth largest of its kind. Itaú Bank is the largest private bank in the southern hemisphere. TV Globo operates the third largest TV network in the world...
Apart from the economic potential, Brazil's tourism potential in particular is beyond question. Typical Brazilian brands are best discovered up close on your next trip to Brazil.

Sources: www.mundodasmarcas.blogspot.com, www.pitubrazil.com