When you pour your morning coffee, remember that behind every cup, there’s often a story. And the one I’m going to tell you today is none other than that of Delta Cafés and trust me, it’s a particularly delicious one ! With an urban tone, a friendly touch, and a hint of humor (because yes, even coffee can have swag), we’re heading on a journey from Campo Maior (in the Alentejo) to coffee shops all around the world.

The humble beginnings of an adventure

It all started in 1961. Rui Nabeiro, a young entrepreneur of barely 30, opened a 50m² warehouse in the small town of Campo Maior, in southeastern Portugal. Two coffee roasters of 30 kg each. Three employees. One big dream…

You can picture the scene : the smell of roasting coffee, the dust in the air, the freshly ground beans, and a burning desire to conquer the market ! A tiny budget, but a massive fuel source : passion. We often think of business giants starting with a bang. But here, no trendy startup with open spaces and ping-pong tables, just a garage, coffee, and a dream. And that, right there, is the beginning of a legend.

The rise : when a small bean turns XXL

A few milestones mark the evolution. In the 1970s and 80s, the company structured itself, invested, and divided its industrial and commercial activities. Then, in 1984, they founded Novadelta in Campo Maior, at the time, the largest roasting plant in the Iberian Peninsula. From roasting coffee in a 50 m² warehouse to running a massive factory : talk about growth, right ? By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the brand became Portugal’s market leader, holding nearly 40 % of the market (or even more).

And while the roasted beans crackled, the company built a slogan that became almost a philosophy : “One customer, one friend.” Yes, a friend ! Because behind every bean, there was always a human touch.

Today : international, innovative, and connected coffee

It’s no longer just Campo Maior. Delta Cafés is now present in over 40 countries. And innovation ? After decades of mastering traditional roasting, they leapt into the capsule era with Delta Q, taking on the coffee-tech giants. Today, in an apartment in Lisbon, Barcelona, or Brazil, someone can insert a Delta Q capsule, close their eyes… and almost find themselves back in that little 1961 warehouse. That’s the beauty of this story : continuity.

A few grains of humor and crunchy facts

If you think “small family business” means “smells like a fireplace,” think again : the company now employs thousands of people and owns dozens of subsidiaries.

Its founder, Rui Nabeiro, passed away in 2023. And we’re not talking about someone whose portrait just hangs in the company lobby, he was a national icon, a true pillar of Portuguese entrepreneurship.

And yes, coffee and innovation go hand in hand : Delta even collaborated with designer Philippe Starck to create a high-end espresso machine for home use (for those who like their coffee as stylish as their art galleries).

So, why do we love this story so much ?

Because it speaks to us ! It’s not just a story of numbers, it’s about a brand that has stayed true to itself, to its values of proximity, and to its Alentejo roots. Even when exporting to China or the United States. And beyond that, the company is deeply committed to sustainability, responsible farming, and fair social practices. Because yes, coffee tastes even better when it’s ethical !

So next time you pour yourself a Delta coffee, take two seconds to pause. Think of that little 50 m² warehouse, the smell of roasted beans, the warm sun of Campo Maior. Think about what a dream can become with enough caffeine and a lot of hard work. And smile : behind your steaming mug lies more than just a coffee break. There’s a family business that dared. A brand that believed. An adventure that keeps going. Because, after all, the world might spin fast, but coffee… deserves that we take our time. Cheers, and enjoy your cup !