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Catering to the Portuguese Community by Kim Dismont Robinson As one of Bermuda's largest -- and oldest -- cultural minorities, the Portuguese population has contributed much to the social fabric of the Island.

And although the community may exist as a relatively untapped niche market from a business perspective, there are some shops which provide specialty goods for the Portuguese community in Bermuda.

Eddie DeMello, owner of the Music Box on Reid Street, said he makes a good business catering to the Portuguese community.

"I have lots of ceramics, vases and pots, and I also bring in a lot dealing with the nativity scene, which can go underneath the Christmas tree,'' said Mr. DeMello.

"I have a lot of Portuguese Christmas CDs as well as regular Portuguese music -- and of course I sell televisions and such items to the community, the Portuguese don't only buy Portuguese things,'' he said.

Mr. DeMello said he brings in magazines and newspapers like Luso Americano out of New Jersey, Correiro Da Manhao out of Lisbon and a sport paper called Bola.

He said he also imports and distributes a number of Portuguese liquors and wines from his other store, Queen Street Liquors, and he said in some cases, he's the only one who brings them in.

Mr. DeMello said the Portuguese population in Bermuda is decreasing, but as long as his customers want the goods, he will continue to sell.

"If the demand is there, I'll continue -- but the (Portuguese) population in Bermuda is getting less and less because a lot are leaving and going back home,'' he said.

Local grocery stores also stock certain specialty items more likely to be purchased by Portuguese and Portuguese-Bermudians -- although the general population has begun to develop a taste for some Portuguese foods.

A spokesperson from the Marketplace said they had a section devoted to Portuguese food -- and said the demand for certain items made the niche market mutually beneficial.

"Sweet almonds are very popular, especially for Easter, and we have a lot of sweetbread, Portuguese donuts and special cookies,'' she said.

"There are certain spices that are very popular, as well -- for example, we can't bring in enough crushed peppers,'' she added.

But she said that there are other cultural minorities on Island who the Marketplace provides specialty items for, such as Jamaicans and Filipinos, and she stated: "We cater to everyone.'' A member of White and Sons management team also said they adapt to the trends, providing specialty items for example to West Indian and Italian communities as well as Portuguese.

And he noted that at least seven members of staff were bilingual to better service Portuguese customers.

In housewares, they have cast-iron crockery and metric measurements instead of only universal for the European community.

He said they carry a Portuguese cheese called Sao Jorge as well as a number of Madeira wines, Sagres beer, and a sparkling white wine called Vinho Verde which is only produced in Portugal.

And he said in the produce section, they carry chestnuts on a seasonal basis, which is often used for stuffing or baking a traditional chestnut cake.