As early as 1200 BC, the Phoenicians fished sardines in large quantities and preserved them in salt, laying the foundations for a tradition that would endure for centuries.
In Portugal, the history of canning began in 1865 in Vila Real de Santo António, where the Ramirez company applied appertisation for the first time in a tuna processing plant.
In the 1950s, the country experienced its golden age, with more than 400 canneries in operation. Today, only 14 remain, but they perpetuate a unique know-how, combining the freshness of the sardines with traditional production methods that preserve all the authenticity of the product.
A family affair.
Conserveira de Lisboa’ was founded in 1930, the heir to a small grocery shop where preserves were already being sold with passion. One of the employees was a certain Fernando da Silva Ferreira. Driven by ambition and hard work, he eventually acquired a share in the business.
In 1942, a turning point came: the grocery shop officially became ‘Conserveira de Lisboa’, affirming its identity around canned fish. The company prospered, and in the 1960s and 1970s, at the height of the industry's golden age, it built vast warehouses to meet demand.
Maria de Jesus - Credit Conserveira de Lisboa
In 1988, Fernando da Silva Ferreira retired, but the family ensured that the soul of the company would live on. His son and daughter-in-law, Armando and Regina Cabral Ferreira, joined forces with new partners to continue the adventure.In 2004, ‘Conserveira de Lisboa’ once again became a family business. Then, in 2008, a new handover took place with the third generation, Tiago and Maria Manuel Ferreira, who are continuing this wonderful story of tradition and innovation.
Iconic brands.
Conserveira de Lisboa has always accompanied the daily lives of the Portuguese with preserves that taste of yesteryear.
Three emblematic names symbolise this: Tricana, Prata do Mar and Minor. Products that combine tradition and expertise, authentic ingredients for unforgettable flavours.
Of these, Tricana is the most prestigious. Each tin contains only the finest, carefully selected fish. And the retro charm of the packaging, which has remained unchanged since 1942, is in itself a reminder of Portuguese history.
Historic place.
Nestling in the heart of the historic Baixa district, Conserveira de Lisboa has preserved its soul of yesteryear.
Pushing open the door is like stepping back in time: wooden shelves laden with colourful tins, a décor that has remained unchanged since the beginning, an atmosphere imbued with authenticity. Here, each tin tells a story, the story of a skill passed on with passion.
Visiting this place is much more than discovering a product: it's touching a heritage, a tradition that spans generations.
So, on your next trip to Lisbon, let yourself be carried away by nostalgia and push open the door of the Conserveira de Lisboa - a journey back in time with unforgettable flavours.
Exceptional canned food.
Conserveira de Lisboa preserves are renowned for their exceptional quality.
Selected fresh fish.
At Conserveira de Lisboa, fish selection is an absolute priority. Each piece of fish comes exclusively from Portuguese waters, renowned for their abundance and quality. Fishing is carried out in a sustainable manner, guaranteeing respect for marine resources.
The origin of the products is essential: the tuna is fished off 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 the sardines, which are carefully caught in autumn, when they are fatter and tastier. A choice that makes all the difference.
Artisanal processing.
Once the fish have been caught, they are prepared with the utmost care and respect for traditional craftsmanship. Every stage of the process is carried out by hand, from meticulous cleaning to cutting, seasoning and canning.
This attention to detail preserves the delicate texture and authentic taste of the fish, enhancing its natural freshness. Unlike industrial methods, this manual work ensures that each tin contains an exceptional product, where quality, expertise and tradition come together to offer a unique taste experience.
Traditional recipes.
The recipes used to prepare the preserves are traditional and have been handed down from generation to generation. They bring out the natural flavours of the fish using simple, high-quality ingredients such as olive oil, aromatic herbs and spices.
Sardines.
Canned sardines are undoubtedly Conserveira de Lisboa's flagship product. Prepared according to a traditional recipe, they are carefully canned by hand to preserve their perfect texture and authentic flavour.
In the shop, you'll find whole sardines, as well as fillets without skin or bones, offering a more delicate tasting experience. They come in a variety of flavours: olive oil, lemon, chilli and tomato. Each recipe is an invitation to savour a unique moment, with flavours that evoke the rich culinary traditions of Portugal.
Tuna.
Another Conserveira de Lisboa signature product, canned tuna is particularly appreciated for its exceptional quality. Whether natural, with olive oil or spices, each can contains tuna that has been carefully prepared to offer tender, flavoursome flesh
Tuna lovers can choose from several variants: fillets for a firmer texture or finer pieces, such as the tuna belly, a delicate piece the Japanese call toro. Each version promises a refined taste experience, reflecting authentic expertise and meticulous attention to quality.
Mackerel
Canned mackerel is another Conserveira de Lisboa speciality. Caught in the rich waters of the Atlantic, these fish are carefully prepared with aromatic herbs and tasty oils, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Practical and quick to use, these tins are ideal for nutritious meals, while offering an authentic, fresh taste reminiscent of the richness of the sea. Each tin is an invitation to savour the simplicity and quality of a product that is both traditional and delicious.