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This candy
is named after a renowned Brazilian politician of the 1920's, Brigadeiro Eduardo
Gomes. He was an Air Force brigadier general who first gained notoriety for
playing a part in quashing a communist coup in Rio. He later ran unsuccessfully
for the presidency in 1946 and 1950, during a brief breeze of democracy which
blew after WWII in Brazil.
The name of the
candy is that of his rank, Brigadeiro. Now, why would anyone name candy after an
army general?
Well, back
in 1922, he was tall, dark-haired with blue eyes. AND SINGLE!!!
The Brigadeiro campaign slogan was “Vote no
Brigadeiro que é bonito e é solteiro”.
Or the other version “Brigadeiro Brigadeiro, e
melhor porque e solteiro”.
Then, this candy was created by some ladies
from Rio de Janeiro. And they named the candy after the Brigadeiro. This was a
time of shortage of traditional imports such as nuts and European fruits because
of the WWII. But in the same time, Nescau ™ was introduced in the country.
Therefore, one might say that the creation and
success of this candy was a combination of opportunities. The multinational who
introduced chocolate powder, had the help of cookers who named it after a famous
politician and the need of the time to find replacement to traditional imported
sweets.
Today, brigadeiro candy is a must have in any
birthday party and kids love them.
In time, Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes lost the
presidential campaign to Marechal Eurico Gaspar Dutra, who was not that
handsome.
Moreover, as far as we know, there is no candy
named after Marechal Dutra.
Please take note that in south of Brazil brigadeiro candy is called negrinho.
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