Valente Marques, S.A.
Overview
Valente Marques, S.A. is a leading Portuguese manufacturer and exporter of rice, pasta, pulses, and snack products, renowned for its premium-quality offerings under the Caçarola and Crackies brands. Established in 1967 and headquartered in Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal, the company has a long history of excellence in food production, processing, and international trade.
With a state-of-the-art production facility, adherence to strict international food safety standards, and an extensive export network, Valente Marques continues to be a key player in the European and global food industry, supplying supermarkets, foodservice providers, and wholesale distributors.
Core Business and Market Positioning
Valente Marques specializes in the production, packaging, and distribution of premium rice, pasta, and pulses, catering to:
- Retail supermarkets and gourmet stores
- Foodservice and HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering)
- Private-label and OEM partners
- Distributors and wholesalers in global markets
- Health-conscious consumers through nutritious product lines
Key differentiators:
- Expertise in premium rice varieties, including Portuguese and international selections.
- Innovation in healthy snack products such as rice and corn crackers.
- Advanced milling and packaging technology for quality preservation.
- Sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly production processes.
Product and Service Offerings
Valente Marques offers a diverse portfolio of high-quality food products, including:
1. Rice Varieties
- White Rice – Classic long-grain and short-grain varieties.
- Brown Rice – High-fiber, whole-grain alternative.
- Arborio Rice – Perfect for risottos and creamy dishes.
- Basmati Rice – Fragrant, long-grain rice for gourmet cooking.
2. Pasta Range
- Traditional Pasta – High-quality durum wheat pasta.
- Vegetable-Enriched Pasta – Nutrient-rich pasta infused with natural vegetable powders.
3. Pulses and Beans
- Chickpeas – Premium selection for hummus and cooking.
- Lentils – Rich in protein and fiber, ideal for soups and salads.
- Black Beans – Commonly used in Latin American and Portuguese dishes.
- Red Kidney Beans – Nutrient-packed legumes for hearty meals.
4. Crackies (Healthy Snack Line)
- Rice Crackers – Light, crunchy, and gluten-free.
- Corn Crackers – Alternative healthy snack with natural ingredients.
Industry Impact and Global Reach
- Annual production capacity exceeds 100,000 metric tons of rice, pasta, and pulses.
- Exports to over 40 countries, including Spain, France, Germany, the UK, USA, Brazil, and the Middle East.
- International sales account for over 60% of total revenue.
- Ranked among the top Portuguese rice and pasta exporters.
- Strong partnerships with international retailers and distributors.
Financial and Shipment Data
- Annual revenue exceeds €150 million.
- Year-on-year export growth of 12%.
- Top export destinations:
- Europe (50%)
- North America (20%)
- South America (15%)
- Middle East & Africa (10%)
- Other markets (5%)
- Over 1,500 shipping containers exported annually.
Certifications and Compliance
Valente Marques upholds rigorous quality control measures and holds the following certifications:
- ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System
- HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety
- IFS (International Featured Standard) Food Certification
- EU Organic Certification for select product lines
- Halal and Kosher certifications for specific market requirements
Trade Shows and Industry Engagement
Valente Marques actively participates in leading international food industry exhibitions, including:
- Gulfood (Dubai, UAE)
- SIAL (Paris, China, Canada)
- Anuga (Germany)
- Food & Hotel Asia (Singapore)
- World Rice Conference
- PLMA Private Label Trade Show (USA & Europe)
Customer Testimonials and Industry Recognition
- “Caçarola rice has been a trusted brand in our stores for decades. The consistency and quality are unmatched.” – European Retail Partner
- “The Crackies line has been a game-changer in the healthy snacks segment, with strong consumer demand across our distribution network.” – Global Distributor
- Recognized as a Top Portuguese Food Exporter by the Portuguese Agro-Industrial Federation.
Conclusion
Valente Marques, S.A. is a global leader in the food processing industry, offering premium rice, pasta, pulses, and healthy snack products under the Caçarola and Crackies brands. With a commitment to sustainability, product innovation, and international market expansion, the company continues to meet the growing demand for high-quality, nutritious food worldwide. Through its advanced production capabilities, strong global distribution network, and premium product offerings, Valente Marques remains a trusted partner for retailers, distributors, and foodservice professionals globally.
