More than century, the taste of tradition!

Vale de Cambra
Located in the north of Portugal, about 40km from the city of Porto, is a region of relief, favored by a microclimate with a high rainfall regime, granitic soil and deep lands, very favorable conditions to the production of good quality hay, reason why its industrialization began around the use of its natural resources with the dairy and forestry industries, and where Martins & Rebello played a historically important role.
Birth of the Portuguese Dairy
From the 16th until the end of the 19th century, Vale de Cambra industrial basis is based on livestock raising and milk and butter production. The introduction of centrifugal creamers, around 1893, positioned the butter business in a new evolution stage, and the improvement of manufacturing techniques and markets knowledge, started the dairy industrialization, making this region the most important and specialized of the country in the production of butter and cheese. Among the first companies, comes Martins & Rebello.
1901 Martins & Rebello
Founded in 1901, in Lisbon, by António Cardoso Rebello and Alfredo Martins, started its activity selling butter with the first brand "Manteiga União". In 1906, started the industrial production with the installation of its first manufacturing unit, in Manso Pinheiro, in Vale de Cambra region. Its growth and specialization have contributed decisively to the development of other industries in the region and the country. Making it one of the largest and most important companies in the country.
1935
Martins & Rebello grows due to exports to Africa and in 1935/36, the company started the manufacture of cheese ball, "Pinheiro Manso". In addition to this cheese type, the company also produces cream cheese, also called "Pinheiro Manso" - "Pinheiro Cream Cheese".
1952
Over the years, Martins & Rebello has been expanding its facilities in Vale de Cambra. Those still existing were officially inaugurated on 8/6/1952, in the presence of the members of the government.
Diversified production
As it expanded, the company diversified its products with the production of other cheese types: Traditional mini wheel format "Castelões" and another one based on processed cheese, in loaf and triangular formats. Butter produced by then was branded as “Primor”.

About us

Its historical course in the industry begins in 1901, with the first dairy production unit in Satão, in the central region of Portugal.

On January 30, 1906, in Lisbon, it was officially founded as Martins & Rebello, Lda. That same year, it moved its facilities to Pinheiro Manso, in Vale de Cambra, northern region of Portugal.

The company was growing because of the African market and the diversity of the products produced, and in the 1950s and 1960s it became the largest dairy company in the country, with 12 production units (including Azores), more than 700 workers and a distribution fleet with more than 400 vehicles.

Today, Martins & Rebello is a century-old brand. The Rebello family, founder of Indulac Industrias Lácteas SA, represents the 4th generation of the business and ensures the continuity of its history, all its essence and tradition, in the production of its products.

Our history

1901 - The beginning

The company was founded in 1901 in Lisbon by António Cardoso Rebello and Alfredo Martins.

1906 - North of Portugal

Moved its facilities to Pinheiro Manso, in Vale de Cambra, northern region of Portugal.

1918 - Industries Engine

In the period of World War I, due to the impossibility of importation, it contributed decisively to the development of other industries in the country (wood, packaging, machinery and equipment).

1920 - Azores

It begins its decisive course for the beginning and development of the industry in the archipelago of the Azores, initially in Flores Island, consolidating its presence in the islands of the central group and Ponta Delgada.

1948 - Dairy Master

António Cardoso Rebello completes the course at the École Fribourgeoise de Laiterie school, belonging to the prestigious Swiss institute "Institut Agricole de L'État de Friborg.

1950 - New markets

The company was growing due to the market conquered in Africa and the diversity of the products produced, making it the largest dairy company in the country, with 12 production units (including Azores), more than 700 employees and a distribution fleet with more than 400 vehicles.

1965 - Angola

Presence in Angola with a local company callled ELA - Dairy Company of Angola, with headquarters in Cela, municipality of the province of Kwanza Sul, established with equal capital of the State, Martins & Rebello and the farmers of the regions of Cela and Catofe.

1974 - Intervention

With the period of revolution of the 70s, which dictated the establishment of democracy in Portugal, Martins & Rebello was intervened by the state as its activity was considered a monopolistic practice.

Followed a period of successive restructuring which culminated in the closure of the company in 2001.

2003 - Renaissance

Rebello’s family, 4th generation of the family business, founder of Indulac Industrias Lácteas SA, realizes its dream and recovers Martins & Rebello, Pinheiro Manso, Vigormalte and Manteiga União brands, ensuring the continuity of its history, its essence and tradition in the production of its products.

2004 - Pinheiro Manso and the USA

Pinheiro Manso brand joins the cheese range exported to the US since 1995.

2008 - Differentiation

Release of the Premium Edition.

2010 - Reacquisition

Rebello’s family, reacquires Martins & Rebello's first manufacturing unit, located in Vale de Cambra.

2014 - Traditional Edition Relaunching

Traditional Edition’s relaunch, composed by mini wheel format “Tipo Prato”.