In a sector as traditional as agri-food, you might think that research and innovation wouldn't be strategic priorities, but at Grupo Primor the opposite is true.
The company, a benchmark in the sector, was founded in Vila Nova de Famalicão 63 years ago and is dedicated to animal production, slaughtering and cutting, processing, marketing and distribution of charcuterie products, fresh and frozen meat.
"From a very early stage, innovation and development, combined with research, have been present in our products and this is the secret of our brand's success," said Pedro Pinto, the Group's CEO, who recently received a visit from the Mayor.
He gave the example of consumer habits, which are "a permanent challenge that requires a very strong research and innovation dynamic in order to find the right product and 'taste' for those who consume it".
This is why the company has a team exclusively dedicated to innovation, research and product development. "We look for new flavours, softer products, with a low salt or fat content, and we've had good results, judging by the success of the clean label range of bacon with pepper and garlic or the products we've had as the consumer's choice for several consecutive years, such as ham, barbecue sausages and bacon," he added, praising the important contribution of TecMeat - the Agri-Food Competence Centre for the Meat Sector, located in Famalicão.
With a presence in more than 30 countries and markets, the Primor Group is made up of ICM, Primor Charcutaria and Central Carnes, plus Valinho, the group's brand in Angola. It exports more than 40 per cent of its production.
During his visit to the company in Gavião, Mayor Mário Passos praised Primor's productive and innovative capacity. "It's a company that's at a high level, that's a benchmark in the sector and that, in addition to the strong dynamics of research and product innovation, is also very concerned about sustainability," he said.
In terms of sustainability, Pedro Pinto also gave the example of packaging, "where we have endeavoured to innovate and develop" in order to reduce plastic, "in a constant search for more recyclable packaging, with more environmentally friendly materials".
It's worth remembering that the Primor Group was one of the brands honoured with the "Sustainability & Innovation Created IN" award by the Municipality of Famalicão at the last Created IN Gala, recognising its performance in the areas of economic, social and environmental sustainability and innovation.