António Ventura, the Azores’ Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, attended the opening of the Lisbon Food Affair on Tuesday, describing the event as a major “space of opportunities” for Azorean businesses. The trade fair runs through Wednesday and features 20 companies from the archipelago.

“It’s a space for contacts and dialogue,” Ventura said. “All of this can translate into commercial interest for our products, which stand out above all for their excellence and authenticity.”

The Lisbon Food Affair is Portugal’s leading professional-only agri-food trade show, bringing together food and beverage producers and distributors, as well as companies specializing in equipment, services, and technologies for distribution and the Horeca channel, both nationally and internationally.

“There are 20 agri-food companies here seeking new commercial partners,” Ventura said, highlighting the role of the Marca Açores brand—now in its 11th year—in helping consolidate business relationships. He noted that many Azorean companies have secured long-term contracts at events like this, adding that most regional products are distinguished by quality rather than volume, with dairy products being the main exception.

“We have differentiated products that evoke a very specific imagery,” Ventura said. “Consumers are also looking for sensory experience and authenticity when choosing products in these sectors.” He also pointed to recent improvements in transport links between the Azores and mainland or international markets.

Azorean participation at the fair is seen as a strategic opportunity to meet buyers from multiple markets, strengthen existing operations, and open new avenues for commercial expansion. The Autonomous Region of the Azores has participated in the Lisbon Food Affair since 2024, occupying the largest stand at the event under the Marca Açores banner.

Companies have emphasized the importance of dozens of meetings held in the Hosted Buyers area, which have generated new business opportunities and boosted the internationalization of products certified with the Marca Açores seal.

The 2026 edition features the following Azorean companies and brands at the Marca Açores stand: AgroMarienseCoop CRL, Azores Farm, Azores Jerky, AzorGhee, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Chá Gorreana, Insulac SA, Lactaçores UCRL, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, MPD–Bensaude Distribuição, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sociedade Corretora, and Yoçor.

In 2024 and 2025, Azorean products received the LFA Innovation Award for Bananika and Bananika Chips, developed by Terceira-based company Loop Pursuit, further strengthening national and international recognition of the quality and creativity of the Azorean agri-food sector.

In Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros-director

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