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Rui Nabeiro died last Sunday in a Lisbon hospital, where he had been admitted for respiratory problems. At 91, he was considered one of Portugal’s most charismatic businessmen. Founder of the Nabeiro-Delta Cafés Group, in his youth he was involved in smuggling products in the Raya area, as the land border between Spain and Portugal is known. This was the origin of what would later become an entire coffee empire.
Nabeiro was born in 1931 in Campo Maior (Portalegre, Alentejo), very close to the Spanish border. He founded Delta Cafés when he was only 30 years old and ended up becoming one of the richest businessmen in his country. He always had a strong bond with Extremadura. In fact, in 2011 he received the medal of Extremadura, in addition to other awards. In fact, the mayor of Badajoz, Ignacio Gragera, will propose to the full council to name Nabeiro Adoptive Son posthumously.
His death has caused commotion within the Portuguese business world, as he was a much-loved figure. In fact, his company’s Instagram profile described him as an “inspiring person who made his life and his passion for coffee an example for all Portuguese people. Unique in his human qualities and values, he leaves us a legacy of generosity, empathy and closeness.