Necessity is the mother of invention.

Many companies come into being to fill a need in the market, but there are others that emerge, quite literally, as a matter of health. This is what happened with Próvida, which started as a way of curing anaemia through nutrition. Founded in 1984 by Alcino and Cesaltina Sousa, this company produces and sells natural foodstuffs, and its philosophy is concern with the quality of life. Apart from its 1800 distribution points, Próvida also has a unit for producing fresh items. There you can find more than ten sorts of sugar-free biscuits, different types of wholemeal bread and a range of desserts such as chocolate cake, apple tart, coconut balls, oat delights and chocolate salami, each more tempting than the next.

In parallel, there is a grocery section where cereals can be found such as rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat and Kamut, as well as flours, seeds, cocoa, jellies and honey. Then there is a tea section, where you are spoiled for choice, and a huge choice of juices and vegetable drinks for the warmer weather.

There is also a range of specific products which are difficult to find in Europe, such as miso, umeboshi plums, kuzu or certain seaweeds. With country-wide distribution, Próvida was not only a pioneer, it also continues to be a key player in natural nutrition in Portugal.

About the author

Hugo Filipe Lopes:Has a degree in sociology and a post-graduate qualification in clinical nutrition from the Egas Moniz Faculty. Collaborates with a number of online publications, a trainer and nutritional therapist. Honourable mentions in the Casa da Imprensa and Lisboa à Letra competitions..