On my recent trip to Porto, I sat down over a late lunch of Bacalhau Na Bras, or grilled codfish, with the owner of MAR BRAND CANNED SEAFOOD, Mr. Ricardo Reynal.
Please tell me Mr. Reynal how you entered into the canned fish business?
I started the company in 2018, but I have been around canned fish my whole life
So, 6 years, but really much longer than that. Can you tell our readers a little bit more about the early years?
Yes, of course. I was really born into the business as a 4th generation canned fish entrepreneur. You see, my family starting with my great-grandfather in 1942 owned 4 factories in the past and a salt company as well. They were all divested by 2017, so I had to create my own brand and forge my own way. In 2018 I felt this need of creating my own path , with my goals , my vision , and until now it’s been great!
Did you work in these factories?
Yes, I have touched almost every area of the fish canning industry during my early days from buying the fish to understanding the logistics and the production side of things.
Are there any other influences in your life in the canned fish industry?
My college professors played a big part in how I think about business and life. Also, I think everyone knows Mr. Joshua from the iconic brand BELA. He has been very influential in my journey in canned fish and the BELA brand remains one of the most imitated brands in the world. We have known each other for more than 20 years.
And about the brand…tell us about the concept of the beautiful packaging!
MAR is a high quality PREMIUM brand that was born to give the consumer a gastronomic journey with its immense range of flavors and species. The goal is to unite tradition, innovation, color & flavor.
Specifically: MAR is a Brand that uses the Portuguese traditional way of production (pre-cooked and hand care), that looks for the sustainability of its final product, using always the best fish (MSC if possible), the best olive oil (Organic Extra Virgin or Extra Virgin) and the best ingredients.
That is quite a large undertaking. Personally I love the range of fish from simple sardines to the stuffed squids. The design is unique. Where does the inspiration come from?
It is a journey of HISTORY and PRESENT: Portugal is a pioneer in navigation for discoveries and a pioneer in international trade (let's call it international trade at the time). The map, the sea, the mixture of the compass rose and an astrolabe. All this takes us back to navigation, to our Portuguese origins. It also takes us to the present and future with a message that it's a brand with direction, orientation. That knows the path it wants to follow and intends to embrace the world with its portfolio of colors, species and flavors. Basically, MAR BRAND wants to give our customers a gastronomic adventure in a sea (MAR in Portuguese) full of quality.
So, you are a time traveler?
Yes, a canned fish magician if you will.
Well Senhor Ricardo, we thank you for sharing your journey with us. We appreciate the exclusive relationship and look forward to launching your new items later this year!