Established in 1932 in the Monte parish of Funchal, Madeira, Padaria do Monte, originally known as Padaria dos Marmeleiros, has been a cornerstone of the community for over 90 years. Founded by Maria Martins, affectionately called “Mariquinhas,” this bakery has a rich history of resilience, innovation, and dedication to quality.
In the early days, the bakery operated under challenging post-war conditions, with Mariquinhas leading the way in a male-dominated society. Her leadership and vision laid the foundation for a business that has grown sustainably over the decades. The bakery’s operations initially relied on manual labor and traditional wood-fired ovens, using a mix of pine needles and acacia for fuel.
The bakery’s long history includes some interesting milestones:
- 1939: Mariquinhas joined the famous flour revolution in Travessa da Malta, protesting against the unfair distribution of flour among Madeira’s bakeries.
- 1949: Manuel, Mariquinhas’ son, took over the bakery’s management with his wife, Guilhermina Martins.
- 1950: The bakery pioneered home delivery services on the island, using a green Commer vehicle, reflecting the owner’s club preference.
- 1960: Despite numerous acquisition offers during a period of industry consolidation, the bakery remained family-owned, undergoing renovations and temporary relocations.
- 1985: Due to health reasons, Manuel passed the bakery’s management to his children, Maria Vieira and Gonçalo Vieira.
Initially, the bakery’s product range was limited, focusing on 200g white bread, festive brindeiros, and traditional black bread made from coarser flour, a staple for economically disadvantaged families. As customer demand grew and technology advanced, the bakery introduced electric ovens, increasing production capacity.
In 2005, the family expanded by opening a second bakery, Padaria do Livramento, in a location chosen for its historical significance. This expansion marked the entry of the fourth generation into the bakery’s management. Alongside this growth, the bakery adopted new production, preparation, and distribution techniques, emphasising food safety with HACCP certification.
Today, Padaria do Monte specialises in producing 15 varieties of bread, including the famous “Pão da Avó” and black bread. Their pastry offerings are diverse, featuring cakes and unique biscuits like Areias. The bakery’s door-to-door delivery service, suspended since the late 1990s, has been revived, blending traditional values with modern excellence to meet the needs of today’s busy customers.
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