Portugal
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Today's topic is Portugal.
We, at European Trading, believe that Portugal can really rise in terms of quantity and quality in the next 5 years.
One former minister said "Portugal creates well, but sells bad". Maybe this tide can be turned with the new ICEP programs (please see www.icep.pt and www.portugalinbusiness.com/), and the good work and good will of both portuguese business and foreign business man.
The cork oak tree is arguably Portugal's finest asset, representing 30% of the world's cork forests and accounting for over half the world's total cork production.
Cases of sucess, such as Compal SA, the company which gives its name to the brand, belongs to the group Nutrinveste SGPS, SA which operates in the sector of juices, tinned vegetables, tomato-based products and bottled water. Founded in 1952, the company focuses its activities on producing high quality fruit juices, a sector in which it leads with a 65% share, as well as tinned vegetables, where it has a 50% share. One of Compal's main commitments is to innovation using a strategy that aims to anticipate the different market trends and which has turned out to be a decisive factor in maintaining and reinforcing its position as market leader. Another of Compal's major commitments is to internationalize the brand, a project that is now starting to bear fruit. In Spain, Compal already has a strong presence in large-scale distribution, positioning itself as a premium brand in the high quality juices and nectars segment and as a fruit specialist. Compal's expansion policy is based not only on Spain but on an entire export infrastructure that covers several points of the globe. Present in more than 30 countries, Compal is currently marketing its juices and nectars in countries as diverse as the UK, France, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Senegal, Ireland, Germany, Estonia, Macau, Hong Kong, Portuguese-speaking Africa (Angola, Cap Vert and Mozambique) and countries with large Portuguese emigrant communities.
The Vicri brand is aimed at the top-end sector and is positioned in the nouveau luxe segment where what matters is image, perception and feel. Combined with high standards of quality and modern design, the aim is to awaken in the consumer a desire and irresistible impulse to buy Vicri. Customers are offered the opportunity to discover new sensations by means of the perception of unique and surprising pieces, produced using luxury fabrics and elaborate and perfect techniques. To wear a Vicri piece is to discover the elegance and sheer daring of being well-dressed. Aimed at the informed consumer who is extremely demanding and has a high level of purchasing power, perfection is an indispensable requirement in manufacture, distribution, retailing, after-sales service and the constant monitoring of customers. More than just selling a Vicri piece, the brand appeals to the customer's emotional attachment and involvement in the concept that originated the product. The values associated with the brand are differentiation, originality, creativity and uniqueness. Of course, high quality in both the luxury fabrics and the manufacture goes without saying. Vicri is a pioneering brand in Portugal, being the only ready-to-wear company positioned in this market segment. In addition to the Portuguese market, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Brazil are its traditional customers where the brand enjoys considerable visibility, with its ranges stocked by the leading luxury retailers such as Biffi, Cascella, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Liberty, Gonzalo Comella and Equus, to mention just a few. The USA and Japan are priority markets for the company where it plans to invest even more in promoting the brand that is already stocked by leading customers such as Oxigénio (USA). Although its ranges are already being marketed in Russia and China, these markets are on the company's list.
Critical Software S.A. supports mission and business critical information systems across diverse markets with customers that include Telecom, Aerospace, defence, industry and government. The company provides full-cycle software engineering services and develops innovative technologies and products for mission and business critical systems, being a world leader in the software segment for reliability-testing by fault injection. The company operates a quality system accredited to ISO 9001:2000 TickIT, is IS15504 assessed and holds EU/NATO Secret clearance, offering outstanding value for money by virtue of Portugal's rare combination of high quality with low cost.
Customers include renowned companies in Europe and worldwide such as NASA, ESA, Siemens, Infineon, EADS, Vodafone, Astrium, Westland Helicopters, Alcatel Space, Eurocontrol, Soporcel, Portugal Telecom, CGD and many others. Founded in 1998, Critical Software is among Europe's 500 fastest growing companies according to BusinessWeek. Based in Portugal, it has offices in the USA and the UK and representatives worldwide.
These 3 cases are a taste of many more. You can check for more on these links:
http://www.portugalinbusiness.com/
http://www.investinportugal.pt
http://www.bportugal.pt
http://www.visitportugal.com
posted by IntoBlogs @ 11:02 PM,
