Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Development of Organic Products in Portugal
Summary
With EAFRD investment support, a food processing company in Portugal has used new technologies to expand its range of high quality organic products and thereby gained access to new markets and achieved greater profitability
Background
The Portuguese company '4Bio Inova' makes and distributes a range of products in the areas of organic farming, food processing, forestry and rural tourism. The company particularly aims to popularize the consumption of organic foods by offering high quality products that are both tailored to customer expectations and fairly priced. '4Bio Inova' also works with its networks of organic producers to promote social responsibility and environmental protection
Objective
This project set-out to apply new technologies to the commercialization of organic food and farming in Portugal through the vertical integration of production and processing. Specific objectives of the project included: 1) the introduction of new and innovative technologies for the preservation of organic products, and; 2) the development of new fresh and processed organic products
Main activities
The main expenditure in the project was the purchase of new equipment / technologies for the conservation of organic products – notably: i) IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) for the rapid freezing of fresh organic products to ensure maintenance of the highest food quality, and; ii) FD (Freeze - Drying) for the efficient drying of organic fresh and processed products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese, shellfish and ready-made meals
Results & Benefits
The project has successfully supported the development of a new range of distinctive, high value-added organic products which are opening up new niche and mainstream markets for '4Bio Inova' in Portugal and abroad (notably new export markets in Northern Europe). The resulting benefits are improved business profitability for '4Bio Inova', plus more secure contracts for their network of organic growers / suppliers
Lessons learnt
For an investment project of this type to be successful it is essential to: a) start with a good knowledge of the target market linked to a comprehensive marketing strategy; b) develop the project step-by-step, phasing the investment in-line with the marketing strategy and based upon the results that are progressively obtained, and; c) ensure investment in the best quality equipment and technology (regardless of cost)
Project location and other information
Região Centro de Portugal Continental - Cantanhede
Region
Centro
RDP Territory
Mainland
Total project cost (€)
333 217
EAFRD contribution (€)
52 920
National contribution (€)
17 640
Private contribution (€)
262 657
Project website
Contact name
Mr. Jorge Catarino
Telephone
+35 123 146 1411
Languages for contact
English, Portuguese
Original Language version
At a glance
Country
Portugal
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/02/2010
End Date:
31/12/2011
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
123. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products
Keywords:
Food quality , Organic farming, Agri-food industry, Innovation, Sustainable agriculture
Last update
20/04/2011