Magnífica cachaça heads to Portugal

Brazilian cachaça Magnífica de Faria will be available in Portugal from February 2024, after the brand partnered with distributor Viriathus.

Magnífica is produced in the mountains near Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, and was founded in 1985 by Joāo Luiz de Faria.

It is a pot still cachaça, different to the industrial column still version of the spirit. The pot still cachaça category was officially recognised by the Brazilian government in 2023, the brand said.

Raul de Faria, CEO of Magnífica, said: “We have been waiting for this launch in Portugal for a long time; there are obvious historical and cultural links between Rio de Janeiro and Portugal, we know that many Portuguese have been wanting to experience quality cachaças, but they simply weren’t available.

“We are delighted that such a competent and enthusiastic team as in Viriathus will help us present our quality products to the Portuguese clients and consumers. We are confident it will be a success as we are seeing in other European markets.”

Currently, Magnífica is sold in 15 European markets. The brand says that now that the pot still denomination has been established, there is a ‘keen interest’ in the premiumisation of the category.

Viriathus will distribute four varieties of Magnífica’s cachaça, across all channels.

Cesar Coutinho, managing director of Viriathus Drinks, added: “Magnífica de Faria is a perfect fit for our premium portfolio of mixers and spirits. We have been amazed by the quality and the depth of their range, totally unique in the cachaça market.

“We are very excited to bring the authentic Rio de Janeiro spirit to the bars of Lisbon, Oporto and the rest of the country.”

Last year, The Spirits Business looked at how producers are taking the Brazilian spirit global.