Licor Beirão, the renowned Portuguese liqueur brand, has announced plans to invest up to ten million euros in the construction of a new factory in the Alto do Padrão Industrial Zone in Lousã.

The investment aims to sustain the brand's international growth, according to the company's general director.

The construction of the factory, which will cover an area of ten thousand square meters, is scheduled to commence by the end of the year, with the goal of having it operational within two years.

"We are finalizing the project," said Daniel Redondo, the general director of J. Carranca Redondo, the producer of Licor Beirão. "The progress is swift because we are eager to get it up and running as soon as possible." Once operations are at full capacity, the new production unit is expected to employ 40 people.

Redondo explained that the new factory will address the need to increase production capacity as the company focuses on expanding the brand internationally. The expansion plans require a larger storage area for dry products, the production of specific products, new filling lines, and innovative bottle finishing processes. The current facilities are insufficient to accommodate the company's growth ambitions.

The €10 million investment in the construction of the factory and the purchase of equipment represents the primary investment for the company at present. Licor Beirão aims to gain a larger market share outside of Portugal by focusing on the commercial and marketing aspects of its operations.

"At present, exports account for approximately 25% of our revenue, and we hope to increase that to 50% quickly," shared Daniel Redondo. While this target is set for the future, the company is determined to expedite its achievement. Licor Beirão has recently been establishing its presence in Spain and aims to further expand in other European countries such as France and Germany.

Daniel Redondo emphasized the desire to transform Licor Beirão from an ethnic product primarily associated with the Portuguese community into a global brand that appeals to a broader consumer base. The director-general acknowledged that the journey ahead would be challenging but highlighted the strong connection between Licor Beirão and Portuguese culture, which he believes will help gradually attract consumers who appreciate and value Portuguese heritage.

Moreover, Licor Beirão's status as a distinctly Portuguese brand positions it to benefit from the increasing tourism in Portugal, as visitors seek to experience authentic elements of the country's culture. Redondo views this project as a marathon and acknowledges the gradual process of building consumer recognition and understanding of the brand's significance to Portuguese identity. Photo by Caio Brêda, Wikimedia commons.