Taste Portuguese

Wine

Portugal has a long tradition in the production of wine across the country. While Portugal is a small country, it has a huge variety of soil, climate and methods of production, which translate into a great diversity of wine. In 2004 Portugal was the 10th largest producer of wine in the world. The Portuguese wines include “Vinho do Porto”, “Vinho da Madeira”, white wines, red wines, and  “moscatel”.
In Portugal there are several “wine routes”, where you can visit the wineries where the wine is produced .

In Portugal there are several “wine routes”, where you can visit the locations where the wine is produced and taste several types of wines.

Cuisine

Portuguese cuisine is characterised by rich, filling and full-flavored dishes and is closely related to Mediterranean cuisine. With such a long coastline,  it should not come as any surprise that the sea has always been one of the main sources of food  in Portuguese cuisine. Breakfast is traditionally just coffee and a bread roll. Lunch, often lasting over an hour is served between noon and 2 o'clock or between 1 and 3 o'clock, and dinner is generally served late, around or after 8 o'clock.

Some famous dishes include:

• Bacalhau à Brás
• Cataplana
• Toucinho do Céu
• Pastel de nata
• Cozido à portuguesa
• Tripas à moda do Porto
• Espetada
• Açorda de marisco

Doing business in Portuguese speaking countries

The Portuguese are traditional and conservative. They are a people who retain a sense of formality when dealing with each other.This is displayed in the form of extreme politeness, especially during business meetings.

Some facts about making business in Portugal:

• Portugal is a culture that respects hierarchy. Knock before entering a room, and allow those in higher positions to enter first.
• Arrive at business meetings promptly, and call if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late.
• Dress conservatively with minimal accessories. Dark business suits are appropriate attire for both men and women.
• People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making.
• In business, power and authority generally reside with one person who makes decisions with little concern about consensus building with their subordinates.
• Wait for your Portuguese colleagues to bring up business. Never rush the relationship-building process.
• If you change representatives or people on a negotiating team once negotiations have started, the relationship-building process will have to begin again.
• They have a more relaxed attitude towards time and do not see deadlines as crucial.

Some facts about doing business in Brazil:

• Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to build a relationship with the person with whom they are doing business.
• The individual they deal with is more important than the company.
  . Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian.
• Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone who feels they have something to say will generally add their opinion.
• Brazilians negotiate with people not companies. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning.
• Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled at short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Men should wear conservative, dark business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive.
   Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected.
• Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting. It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese and present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient.