Creative Economy

Matosinhos is recognised as a top gastronomic destination, thanks to its historical connection to the Atlantic. Traditional dishes such as grilled sardines, seafood cataplana, and monkfish rice celebrate this heritage and attract thousands of visitors every year, drawn by events like Degustar Matosinhos, Rally Fish, and Out of the Blue – Ocean, Food, Future. Gastronomy is, therefore, the heart of Matosinhos' economy and creative culture.

Matosinhos' Economic and Cultural Contribution:

• CCS (Cultural and Creative Sectors) - 2023 Data (INE):

• Represents 2% of employment in Matosinhos
• 1,839 people employed in 570 companies
• Accounts for 1% of:
  • Turnover: €184.3M
  • Exports: €18.7M
  • Wealth Generation (GVA): €48.7M

• Gastronomy Sector:

• Major contributor to Matosinhos' cultural, economic, and social identity
• Value chain includes:
  • Production (agriculture, fishing)
  • F&B industries
  • Restaurants
    
    
• Key Figures:
  • 1,303 companies employing 7,664 people (8% of Matosinhos’ jobs)
  • Generates €1,030.6M in revenue (7% of total economy)
  • 13% of revenue comes from exports
  • Contributes €269.1M in GVA (7% of total economy)

• Key Industry Players & Initiatives:

• “Super Bock” plays a crucial role in gastronomy as a creative and driving force
• “World’s Best Fish” brand & “Out of the Blue” gastronomic events drive innovation
• Synergies with CCS foster collaborations in design and architecture

With over 500 restaurants, Matosinhos is home to a diverse community of dedicated professionals, supporting more than 5,200 jobs. Notable establishments include Rui Paula’s restaurant, which has earned two Michelin stars, and Arnaldo Azevedo’s restaurant (one Michelin star) in Matosinhos Market, both of which elevate the city’s culinary reputation to an international level.

Local gastronomy is enriched by essential industries, such as fishing, fish canning, and agriculture, all of which provide fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Matosinhos Fish Market (Lota de Matosinhos) hosts 12 companies and employs 102 workers, ensuring a steady supply of seafood. The agricultural sector, with 30 companies, provides fresh produce, while the canning industry employs 596 workers across 11 companies, two-thirds of whom are women.

The Municipal Markets of Matosinhos and Angeiras play a vital role in this ecosystem, housing over 80 food vendors and 13 restaurants, including fish stalls, fruit and vegetable stands, and dining spaces. These markets also foster the intersection of gastronomy, creativity, and culture, with examples such as the incubator from the Higher School of Art and Design (Escola Superior de Arte e Design) located within these spaces.

Matosinhos has nurtured a local creative ecosystem that celebrates its landscape, history, and the “Sea to Fork” strategy, promoting the sustainability of local food systems and culinary excellence. This model integrates the entire value chain, from education to production and dissemination.

Local organizations play a fundamental role in preserving and promoting the gastronomy and culture of Matosinhos:

• Gastronomic Brotherhood of the Sea (Confraria Gastronómica do Mar) safeguards local identity and traditions, organizing events that highlight Atlantic coast products and ensure the continuity of the city's culinary heritage.

• Association for the Promotion of Matosinhos (Associação para a Animação da Cidade de Matosinhos) promotes cultural activities and local events that celebrate Matosinhos’ gastronomy and cultural heritage.

• Matosinhos Restaurants Association (Associação dos Restaurantes de Matosinhos) represents the interests of local restaurants, fostering competitiveness and innovation in the dining sector.

• Matosinhos Agricultural Cooperative (ÁGRIMA – Cooperativa Agrícola de Matosinhos) supports local farmers, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and the use of local products.

• Matosinhos Business Association (AECM – Associação Empresarial do Concelho de Matosinhos) focuses on business development, particularly in gastronomy and local commerce.

• Cultural and Creative Industries Cluster (Cluster das Indústrias Culturais e Criativas) promotes innovation in cultural and creative sectors, including gastronomy, contributing to regional development.

In addition to the local entities, Matosinhos is also represented by various regional and national organisations. The Litoral Rural Regional Development Association (Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Litoral Rural) promotes sustainable rural development, supporting local farmers and producers in enhancing their products. Propeixe supports fishermen and highlights the heritage associated with seafood, reinforcing the importance of fishing in the national context. The National Association of Fish Canning Industries (Associação Nacional dos Industriais de Conservas de Peixe) preserves the “Conservas de Portugal” brand and celebrates the history of canned goods, emphasising the significance of the canning industry in the country. Finally, Docapesca promotes national sustainability efforts, including the implementation of the MSC label for sustainable fishing.

Together, all these stakeholders ensure that Matosinhos maintains a strong and vibrant connection with gastronomy, preserving its traditions while fostering innovation and empowering its community for a sustainable future.