São Paulo, February 26, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Supermarket sales fell 26.39% in January, compared with December, according to the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (Abras). This index is 2.26% lower than what was registered in January, 2003. According to Abras president João Carlos de Oliveira, this result stems from the fact that the semi-durable and non-durable sectors, which are directly responsive to the level of income and employment, have not experienced the signs of the slight economic improvement noted in 2003.

Expectations are optimistic for Easter, the second best time of year for the supermarket sector, which should increase its orders to industry by 5-20%, according to an Abras study. "This year 34% of the firms will buy more than they did in 2003. Another 43.4% plan to maintain their orders on the same levels as last year," he said. (DAS)