Supermarket sales in Brazil rose 5.5% in 2009 on the year before, according to the Brazilian Supermarket Association (ABRAS).

The increase was attributed to the rising spending power of low-income groups in the country, which was bolstered by tax cuts on a range of products, including domestic appliances.

ABRAS is expecting growth to accelerate in 2010, after sales in December rose 6.6% year on year.

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