hey, we’re back with local markets! last week, i was going to feature this brand and then i decided to write about something else instead. the thing is i found about jose gourmet a while ago while visiting (once again) the amazing shop a vida portuguesa. their packaging was absolutely gorgeous, the illustrations divine and appealed to all the typical elements of this country, like sardines (how obvious!). i was hooked!
jose gourmet is a made up name that symbolizes the traditional things. jose is a very common name and gourmet is about their idea of turning loved products, but also so very common, into something with a refined taste, with a twist of design, as a new way of appreciating what has been offered by this country through the years. typical products like olive oil, canned goods and jams are some of the most popular by jose gourmet.
“three years ago, we started the association from this old and prestigious “trademark” with products. olive oil from the oldest trees within our borders, firewater from lourinhã, canned goods from the seas of our coast and more. we selected some of the best classics, created some new ones, “dressed” them according to our century and showed them to the world. we believe in sustained growth and what to be “somewhere” in 5 years seeking the balance between work and fun in between. only the tip of the iceberg is in plain sight, join us in this journey!”
illustrations by: bernardo carvalho (1), marta madureira (2), andré letria (3), joão vaz de carvalho (4)
with everything that is going on on this country, these kind of businesses really make me proud. it makes me proud to find more and more small businesses like this one. it’s people that want to make something out of this country, its rich inheritance and sometimes so despised. i’m not sure if you know much about our country, but we’re going through some strong political crisis. people are angry, fed up with all these taxes they keep rising and rising. people are fed up with being forced to pay so much for the debt of this country and as usual, they are really upset about the rich people not contributing more as they could. so these businesses by small companies make me really proud. they did something, they made their idea work and they are being successful! we need more of these people!
“we opened the newspaper and read that a certain product is sold in ny for 10$, but if it was italian or french it would be sold for 30$. here’s an opportunity. a product can have an added value that isn’t recognized. portugal is full of these examples that we should learn to value. these are the products that we should show the world!”
images: jose gourmet
what is local markets? a community dedicated to the very best portuguese talented & independent artists that strive for an original work and exquisitely executed handmade design & photography. once a week, there will be a special feature for these artists, to spread the word about their talent, to introduce you to new & fresh work. local markets is an original feature from a place for twiggs. you can read more about this feature here and join the facebook page for news!
MissLilly says
wow I didn’t know this brand either, amazing design indeed
twiggs says
the looks is so amazing, isn’t it? and of course, being portuguese brands, this can only be really good! ;)