Day of Saudade and market opportunities for Brazilian expats
Saudade Day, celebrated on January 31st, is a date that makes us reflect on the bonds we create throughout our lives and the people who, for different reasons, are far away from us. In the globalized world in which we live, it is increasingly common to find Brazilians scattered around the four corners of the planet.
In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of the "saudade market" and how Brazilian entrepreneurs have sought to connect distant hearts through products designed especially for expats.
What is the "Mercado da Saudade"?
The "saudade market" refers to the business niche that caters to the emotional and cultural needs of Brazilians living abroad. This demand includes products that are reminiscent of Brazilian culture, from typical foods to items related to sports, fashion and lifestyle.
Product Ideas for Brazilian Expats
Understanding the nuances of longing and nostalgia that surround expatriate Brazilians is crucial when exploring ways to meet their needs and desires. By immersing ourselves in product ideas dedicated to this audience, we saw the opportunity to create emotional and practical connections. From items that celebrate the fervor for soccer, to fashion that captures the tropical Brazilian spirit, to shoes that unite style and comfort, the list of products designed for Brazilians away from home reflects not just merchandise, but cultural ties that transcend geographical borders.
Team Products
Products related to Brazilian soccer teams evoke a shared passion and provide an instant connection with Brazilian culture, serving as a kind of symbolic bridge home. T-shirts, caps and accessories from the team of your heart can translate into a way of keeping the passion for Brazilian soccer alive.
Beachwear and Fitness
Items that represent the Brazilian tropical lifestyle are always well received. Brazilian beachwear and fitness fashion offer expats a way to maintain a physical and emotional link with their tropical roots, even in different environments. In addition, beach and fitness fashion meets the practical demands of an active lifestyle, with versatile pieces that can be adapted to a variety of occasions.
Shoes
The Brazilian footwear industry is internationally renowned, recognized for the quality of its products and the diversity of options on offer. Footwear made in Brazil, whether plastic or leather, stands out for its durability, comfort and innovative design. The tradition of craftsmanship combined with the incorporation of advanced technologies results in products that meet not only fashion standards, but also the demands of comfort and resistance. The variety of materials used, including high-quality leather and resistant plastics, provides options adaptable to the different preferences and needs of expatriate consumers, ensuring that each pair of shoes tells a story of Brazilian excellence and style.
Why look at this market?
Brazil's territorial extension already represents a huge logistical challenge for online retailers. Adding the transportation of goods over long distances, high international freight costs and import tax rules for other countries to this agenda can, at first glance, seem like a dispensable task.
Although Brazil has a large population with purchasing potential, investing in the nostalgia market presents a unique opportunity for Brazilian entrepreneurs. The emotional connection that these products provide to expats creates a consistent and loyal demand and a very large audience.
The Brazilian diaspora represents a significant portion of the national population. The table below shows the countries that are most home to Brazilians around the world, according to an estimate made by Itamaraty in 2022.
Number of Brazilians living abroad
| Country | Number of Brazilian inhabitants* |
| United States | 1.9 million |
| Portugal | 360 thousand |
| Paraguay | 254 thousand |
| United Kingdom | 220 thousand |
| Japan | 207 thousand |
In view of the challenges of an international operation, entrepreneurs who decide to invest in the saudade market need to structure and automate processes for quoting freight and issuing export documents, as well as being aware of the constant changes in import rules in Brazil so that the taxation of products doesn't interfere with the profitability of the business.
With the right tools, all these challenges can be turned into opportunities. To overcome these barriers, Ship Smart simplifies all cross-border logistics processes, making international expansion more accessible. Investing in this market is not only a commercial strategy, but also a way of uniting communities and strengthening cultural ties across borders.
Are you ready to take your brand to the hearts of Brazilians around the world? Find out how ShipSmart can simplify your logistics journey and make your international sales more efficient.
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