Brazilians shell out for Easter eggs

摘要

BRAZIL expects a new swell in Easter egg sales this year, with some predictions indicating sales of the chocolate-based treats could rise by 20% in some regions. Economic recovery and strong chocolate sales in early 2010 prompted the industry to hedgeits bets on a strong season. It is working at full capacity ahead of Easter Sunday on 4 April to meet the expected burgeoning demand. Kraft Foods, which owns the Chocolates Lacta brand, the Brazilian Easter egg market leader for the past 13 years, plansto manufacture 23 million units, roughly 9% more than in 2009 when 21 million units were produced. The entire production is based in the company's Curitiba factory. In order to boost production and sales, the company opened around 6 000 new temporary posts for seasonal workers across Brazil between December 2009 and Easter 2010, including 1 100 manufacturing positions. Kraft Foods revealed that its share in the country's chocolates market increased to 3i.6% in 2009, according to a survey conducted by ACNielsen. Average prices of the company's Easter eggs will range between BRL5.99-49.99 (USD3.39-28.33).