CVRA and AICEP join forces to boost exports

The Alentejo Regional Viticulture Commission (CVRA) and AICEP – Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade have established a strategic partnership to strengthen the internationalization of Alentejo Wines, through training programs focused on structuring their presence in foreign markets, taking advantage of new opportunities, and increasing export competitiveness.

This initiative marks the start of the actions foreseen in the Alentejo Wines Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which defines as one of its main objectives the ambition to double the region’s exports over that period.

The program, named “Export as a Value Driver – CVRA & AICEP”, introduces a new approach from Alentejo to international markets, based on sustained growth, the qualification of the offer, and the creation of value. The program already began on January 13th, on the Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo (Alentejo Wine Route), and targets wine producers and companies in the region with different levels of export maturity, ranging from operators in the initial phase of internationalization to companies with already consolidated experience.

According to Paulo Rios de Oliveira, Board Member at AICEP, “internationalization requires strategic vision, deep knowledge of the markets, and execution capacity”. The official highlights that, with this program, AICEP reinforces its commitment to supporting Alentejo producers in building a more structured, competitive, and sustainable value-generating international presence.

Luís Sequeira, President of the CVRA, also highlights the importance of the initiative in a context of growing demands in foreign markets. “Exports assert themselves as a critical axis of development for the Alentejo wine sector. This partnership reinforces internationalization as a strategic pillar, placing the region on a clear trajectory of international expansion and economic appreciation,” he states.

The program is based on a logic of continuous training, integrating practical training on exporting and access to international markets, analysis of the main global trends in the wine sector, sharing of best practices by experienced producers, and direct support from AICEP’s national and international network. This integrated approach aims to align the internationalization of Alentejo Wines with the long-term objectives defined in the Strategic Plan 2026–2031.

It is worth recalling that the Alentejo Wines Strategic Plan 2026–2031 results from an extensive and participatory process, establishing a clear ambition to project Alentejo as one of the great wine regions of the world, through a holistic approach that integrates wine, gastronomy, olive oil, culture, and territorial authenticity.

Currently, Alentejo leads the national market for certified wines, representing around 40% of the total sales value among the 14 Portuguese wine regions. With a vineyard area of 23.3 thousand hectares, about 30% of the region’s production is destined for export, with emphasis on markets such as Brazil, Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland.