To start a coffee brand in Portugal, prioritize setup, regulatory fit, and routes to market: incorporate an LDA online (Empresa Online), pick CAEs 1083 (coffee processing), 4637 (wholesale), and 4791 (e‑commerce), get a NIF/EORI, open a bank account, and register for VAT (23%). Secure a food operation with ASAE: implement a HACCP plan, list critical controls for roasting, storage, and allergens, and license your facility or contract a certified toll roaster in Lisbon or Porto to go-to-market faster. For imports via Leixões/Lisboa, use a customs broker, request COI/ICO docs, and ensure phytosanitary compliance and quality sampling on arrival; trace every lot. Label in Portuguese per EU 1169/2011: product name, net weight, ingredients (100% coffee), allergens (if flavored), country of origin or blend, batch, roast date, best-before, operator name/address, and storage; add brewing ratio and grind to cut returns. Join a packaging compliance scheme (Sociedade Ponto Verde or Novo Verde), and choose high-barrier, one-way-valve bags; target water activity <0.60 and degas 24–72h before dispatch. Launch D2C with Multibanco/MB Way, invoicing via certified SAF-T software, and HORECA sales via sample drops and rotating guest roasts; price for 60–70% gross margin and roast twice weekly for freshness. Build barista partnerships and cupping events.
