Brazilian glasses in Portuguese lands: the Brazil that produces from Portugal to the world
The articles written by the PÚBLICO Brasil team are written in the variant of the Portuguese language used in Brazil.
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Brazilian Chilli Beans will open an eyewear production center in Portugal. The objective is to supply, from the European country, the 110 points of sale spread around the world. The factory will be located in Ílhavo, Aveiro, North of Portugal and, to make the project viable, the company has already invested 10 million euros (R$60 million) in an industrial innovation center. According to Renato Chiodaro, responsible for the brand’s internationalization hub, Chilli Beans currently has nine resales in Portugal and two in Germany. The goal is to reach 30 points in Portuguese territory by the end of 2025 and enter Spain.
Chilli Beans’ international expansion project is being advised by Ibero Partners, which has attracted Brazilian companies interested in exploring the European market in Portugal. “Right now, we are providing consultancy for investments valued at 50 million euros (R$300 million). And we have 43 companies on the waiting list”, says Simão Calado, CEO of the company in Portugal. “There are several projects in research and development, industrial innovation and internationalization”, he adds. “Our mission is to ensure a smooth landing for companies in Portuguese territory.”
Strategies even include searching for Portuguese and European sources of financing, with very low interest rates or even non-refundable. “It’s a way to make the business more sustainable, as the first few months, when expenses are very high, end up being turbulent,” says Calado. Investing in another country, he adds, requires extra care to deal with local legislation, measure the potential of markets and define which directions should be taken. “Everything is evaluated very carefully. We are talking about significant investments, of several clusters of companies,” he adds.
Disruptive world
In addition to Chilli Beans, Ibero Partners has in its portfolio of advisors companies with disruptive projects, such as Guga Stocco, which launched its shares (IPO) and is listed on the Bitcoin Market. Among his companies are V7, which produces whey-based bioplastic, and Ultragraf, a manufacturer of glass fibers for rebar to replace iron. There is also Primefy, which is bringing a new concept to payment methods in Europe. “Our objective is to take advantage of Europeans’ interest in this new world, in environmental issues”, emphasizes Calado.
He also highlights that this is a very opportune moment for Brazilian investments in Portugalan effective bridge to a European market of more than 500 million consumers. “Chilli Beans, for example, is not just looking at the European market. It also intends to place glasses manufactured in Portugal in points of sale in Asia and the Middle East”, he details. However, the executive points out, nothing should be done hastily. “Investments need to have the right direction, focus, so that the results are as expected”, he explains.
