As early as 1200 B.C., the Phoenicians fished sardines in large quantities and preserved them in salt, laying the foundation for a tradition that would endure for centuries.
In Portugal, the history of canned seafood took off in 1865 in Vila Real de Santo António, when the Ramirez company first applied the canning process in a tuna processing factory.
The 1950s marked a golden age for the industry, with over 400 canneries operating across the country. Today, only 14 remain, but they continue to uphold a unique expertise, combining the freshness of sardines with traditional production methods that preserve the product’s authenticity.
A Family Story.
Conserveira de Lisboa was born in 1930, inheriting the legacy of a small grocery store where canned goods were already sold with passion. Among its employees was Fernando da Silva Ferreira, a man driven by ambition and hard work, who eventually acquired a stake in the company.
In 1942, a turning point occurred: the grocery store officially became Conserveira de Lisboa, asserting its identity around canned fish. The business thrived, and during the 1960s and 1970s, at the height of the industry’s golden age, it expanded with large warehouses to meet growing demand.
Maria de Jesus - Credit Conserveira de Lisboa
In 1988, Fernando da Silva Ferreira retired, but his family ensured that the soul of the company lived on. His son and daughter-in-law, Armando and Regina Cabral Ferreira, joined forces with new partners to continue the adventure.
By 2004, Conserveira de Lisboa became fully family-owned once again. Then, in 2008, a new chapter began as the third generation, Tiago and Maria Manuel Ferreira, took the helm, carrying forward this remarkable story—a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Historic Brands.
For generations, Conserveira de Lisboa has been a part of everyday Portuguese life, offering canned goods with the authentic flavors of the past.
Three iconic names embody this legacy: Tricana, Prata do Mar, and Minor. These brands blend tradition and craftsmanship, using authentic ingredients to create unforgettable flavors.
Among them, Tricana is the most prestigious. Each can contains only the finest fish, carefully selected. Its retro packaging, unchanged since 1942, is a tribute to Portuguese history, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
An Iconic Place.
Tucked away in the heart of the historic Baixa district, Conserveira de Lisboa has preserved its timeless charm.
Pushing through the door is like stepping back in time: wooden shelves filled with colorful cans, a décor unchanged since the very beginning, and an atmosphere rich in authenticity. Here, every can tells a story—a tale of craftsmanship passed down with passion.
Visiting this place is more than just discovering a product; it’s a chance to touch a legacy, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
So, on your next stroll through Lisbon, let nostalgia guide you and step into Conserveira de Lisboa—a journey through time with unforgettable flavors.
Exceptional Canned Seafood.
The canned goods from Conserveira de Lisboa are renowned for their exceptional quality.
Carefully Selected Fresh Fish.
At Conserveira de Lisboa, selecting the fish is a top priority. Each piece comes exclusively from Portuguese waters, known for their abundance and high quality. Fishing is done sustainably, ensuring the preservation of marine resources.
The origin of the products is key: the tuna is caught off the coast of the Azores, while the sardines come from Matosinhos, near Porto. But here, quality goes hand in hand with patience.
Some varieties are only available at the right time, like sardines, carefully fished in the autumn when they are fattier and more flavorful. It’s this attention to detail that makes all the difference.
Artisanal Processing.
Once caught, the fish are carefully prepared with great attention to tradition. Every step of the process is done by hand, from the meticulous cleaning to the canning, including the cutting and seasoning.
This attention to detail helps preserve the delicate texture and authentic taste of the fish, enhancing its natural freshness.
Unlike industrial methods, this manual labor ensures that every can holds an exceptional product, where quality, craftsmanship, and tradition come together to deliver a unique tasting experience.
Traditional Recipes.
The recipes used for preparing the canned goods are traditional, passed down through generations. They highlight the natural flavors of the fish by using simple, high-quality ingredients, such as olive oil, aromatic herbs, and spices.
Sardines.
Canned sardines are undoubtedly the flagship product of Conserveira de Lisboa. Prepared using a traditional recipe, they are carefully canned by hand to preserve their perfect texture and authentic flavor.
In the shop, you'll find whole sardines as well as skinless, boneless fillets, offering a more delicate tasting experience.
They come in a variety of flavors: olive oil, lemon, chili, and tomato. Each recipe invites you to savor a unique moment, with flavors that evoke the rich culinary traditions of Portugal.
Tuna.
Another iconic product of Conserveira de Lisboa, canned tuna is especially prized for its exceptional quality. Whether natural, in olive oil, or with spices, each can contains carefully prepared tuna, ensuring tender, flavorful flesh with every bite.
Tuna enthusiasts can choose from several variations: fillets for a firmer texture or finer pieces, like the tuna belly, a delicate cut known as toro in Japanese cuisine. Each version promises a refined tasting experience, reflecting authentic craftsmanship and meticulous attention to quality.
Mackerel.
Canned mackerel is another must-try specialty of Conserveira de Lisboa. Caught in the rich waters of the Atlantic, these fish are carefully prepared with aromatic herbs and flavorful oils, creating a perfect balance of tastes.
Practical and quick to use, these canned mackerels are perfect for nutritious meals while offering an authentic, fresh taste that brings the richness of the sea to your table. Each can invites you to enjoy the simplicity and quality of a product that is both traditional and delicious.