Although he began by selling other agricultural products at his Quinta dos Cedros, it was his passion for professional diving that opened the first doors to “Flying Fish.”

Tibério de Melo Barbeito is 36 years old, from Santa Luzia in Angra do Heroísmo. He has a degree in Sales Technician from the Santa Casa da Misericórdia Professional School in Angra do Heroísmo and in professional diving. He is a beekeeper, produces kiwis and apples, and farms several orchards.



“I started out in this world, first with my agricultural project, planting small fruits and orchards at my Quinta dos Cedros in Angra do Heroísmo, and later, as I’ve always been connected to the sea, I opened a company whose main activity, at first, was selling and exporting fish and seafood. However, due to the difficulties of exporting fresh fish, which worsened after the pandemic, the business was rethought and the Casa do Portinho brand was created, where we began to focus on making smoked fish and later on making our preserves. There was a need to create a product with greater longevity, quality and that offered the best that the Azores has to offer. We began to promote our Casa do Portinho brand, where our completely handmade products have been appreciated by several renowned chefs in Portuguese gastronomy and the gourmet segment. We are present at fairs and gastronomic tastings and have even taken part in competitions where our preserves have been very well qualified,” says the businessman from Terceira, adding that ‘we have already exported our products to mainland Portugal, the USA, Spain, France, Austria and Germany,’ he concludes.
“I’m entrepreneurial, creative, enthusiastic and curious in all areas, which makes me a person who likes challenges and who sometimes likes to take risks in different areas,” adds Tibério.



His innovation in the drinks sector proves this. The 5% alcohol “Bananika” cider, with the slogan “Bananas with a happy ending,” has already saved many tons of bananas from going to waste. “Every bottle of refreshing cider saves two bananas that wouldn’t have been eaten,” says the entrepreneur.

Tibério developed Bananika with his partner Leon Biermann. The brand is now a finalist for an international sustainability award after winning an innovation prize at Lisbon Food AFFAIR.

Bananika’s success has already led to a partnership with FRUTER, which has worked with around 41 producers who grow bananas on more than 50 hectares.



For Tibério Barbeito, “everywhere there are constraints, and we end up learning to deal with them, one of which is actually the transportation of our products and the time it takes to get to and from the island. Knowing how to deal with constraints and having the insight and courage to invest and try to go further is what makes the difference.”

The young entrepreneur from Terceira also has advice for young Azorean entrepreneurs: “Believe in your project, invest without fear. Sometimes, you have to change course from what you initially thought, but the important thing is not to give up,” he concludes.

From Made in the Azores-in Açoriano Oriental, Paula Gouveia, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.