This Tuesday, the Centros de Fabrico dos Açores (CFA), a project of Bensaude Distribution, one of the five business areas of the Bensaude Group, welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, Zhao Bentang and his entourage, together with the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima.
The purpose of the visit to the facilities in Nordela, Ponta Delgada, was to get to know the industrial complex with three production units: meat, bakery and fish.
Around 20 people had the opportunity to see for themselves what is best done with beef and wild fish from the Azores. The CFA's focus is to valorise the Azorean raw material. Continuously raising the standard of Azorean products, emphasising their exceptional characteristics and authenticity.
The creation of this food industry factory, which opened in 2023, had two main purposes: to supply the local market, through the Continente and Meu Super Açores shops, but also to export mainly to mainland Portugal and Spain.
During the visit, Andrêa Vasconcelos, CFA's Executive Director, had the opportunity to highlight the production processes and emphasise the importance of the quality of the products, especially the beef and fish, which are recognised for their excellence in the Azores.
‘We focus on offering the best meat and fish, ensuring that they reach our customers with the utmost freshness. This success is only possible thanks to the true partnerships we have established with meat producers, associations and co-operatives, as well as fish vessels and associations,’ said Andrêa Vasconcelos, adding that, ’this plant has important certifications such as IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), BIO and Ramo Grande."
The presence of the Chinese Ambassador reinforces CFA's position in the global market, shows its potential and strengthens institutional relations.
At the end of the visit, the entire delegation also had the opportunity to get to know some of the regional products from Bensaude Distribution's exclusive brands. A major focus of this business area of the Bensaude Group which, through the company MPD (Desenvolvemos Criando), has created Azorean brands such as Azores Gourmet, Boca Santa, Leitaria Açoriana, Verde Fresco, Prado Atlântico, Ponto da Bisa, Sab'Açores, Vulcanis, among many others.
Zhao Bentang has visited the Azores before. In 2023 and 2024, the Chinese Ambassador came to the archipelago to present projects in the areas of Culture, Research and Science, but also to foster relations with Azorean entrepreneurs.
The Centros de Fabrico dos Açores play a crucial role in promoting regional products and the economic development of the Region. They promote the sustainability and quality of Azorean products, but also strengthen the local economy by maintaining a close relationship with the region's producers. By transforming regional raw materials into high-quality products, CFA ensures that the added value stays in the Azores, benefiting the Azorean economy and identity. The innovation and excellence promoted by this industrial complex make Azorean products competitive outside the Azores, without losing their traditions and origins.