Portuguese egg tarts arrive at Costco Japan and Costco Korea: meet the most awarded pastel de nata in the world

expo osaka 2025 パステル・デ・ナタ offical pastel de nata

From Expo 2025 Osaka to Japanese homes

Something remarkable happened at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Inside the Portugal Pavilion, a small golden tart – the Portuguese egg tart, known in Portugal as the pastel de nata – began attracting attention from visitors across Japan. Flaky, creamy, and rooted in centuries of Portuguese pastry tradition, it quickly became one of the most talked-about desserts of the event.

Day after day, visitors formed lines to taste the pastel de nata, Portugal’s most iconic pastry.

More than 2.000 tarts were sold daily, with peak days reaching 2,500 units. Many visitors returned for a second taste. Others shared the discovery on social media, turning the Portuguese custard tart into one of the unexpected culinary highlights of the pavilion.

The egg tart they were tasting was produced by Nata Pura.

And as of 11 March 2026, the same Portuguese egg tarts that delighted visitors at Expo Osaka are now available in the frozen section of Costco Wholesale warehouses across Japan, with Costco Korea coming soon.

For the first time, Japanese consumers can enjoy authentic Portuguese custard tarts at home.

A pastry with centuries of history

The pastel de nata is one of Portugal’s most famous pastries.

Its origins date back more than 300 years, when monks in Portuguese monasteries created recipes using egg yolks left over from other culinary processes.

The result was a pastry unlike any other:

  • a crisp, laminated puff pastry shell
  • a rich and creamy custard filling
  • a caramelised top with characteristic dark spots (a natural result of caramelisation and a hallmark of authentic pastéis de nata)

Over time, the Portuguese custard tart became a symbol of Portuguese gastronomy and one of the country’s most recognisable desserts.

Today, it is increasingly enjoyed far beyond Portugal.

Why the pastel de nata resonates in Japan

The enthusiastic response at Expo Osaka revealed something important: the Portuguese custard tart fits naturally within Japanese food culture.

Japanese consumers are known for their appreciation of:

  • craftsmanship and technique
  • balanced flavours
  • attention to texture
  • culinary authenticity

The pastel de nata combines all of these elements.

Crisp pastry layers contrast with smooth custard. The slightly caramelised top adds depth of flavour. And the product itself carries centuries of culinary tradition.

It is a pastry that feels both new and familiar at the same time.

The reception at Expo – where batches sold out within hours – confirmed that Japanese consumers respond strongly to this combination of tradition and quality.

From the Portugal Pavilion to Costco Japan

Following the success at Expo 2025 Osaka, Nata Pura’s pastéis de nata are now available in Costco Wholesale Japan, making it easier than ever for consumers to experience this iconic Portuguese dessert.

The 12-unit Original pack allows customers to enjoy the product at home while preserving the traditional characteristics that define the pastel de nata.

Thanks to modern freezing technology, the tarts are blast-frozen at peak quality, preserving flavour and texture until baking.

From freezer to toaster oven, they are ready in under 15 minutes, delivering the same sensory experience associated with freshly baked Portuguese custard tarts.

A recipe rooted in tradition

Each Nata Pura egg tart is produced in Portugal using a recipe inspired by the historic monastic origins of the pastel de nata.

The philosophy behind the product is simple:

  • clean-label formulation
  • natural ingredients only
  • no preservatives
  • no artificial additives
  • no powdered ingredients

This commitment ensures that what consumers taste reflects the authenticity of traditional Portuguese pastry.

Once baked, the tart reveals its defining characteristics: a flaky puff pastry shell and a creamy custard centre topped with the signature caramelised finish.

The world’s most awarded pastel de nata

Over the years, Nata Pura has become one of the most internationally recognised brands dedicated to Portuguese egg tarts.

Among its distinctions are:

  • Great Taste Award 2020 (UK)
  • Superior Taste Award 2023 – International Taste Institute
  • Monde Selection Award 2025

The brand’s production facilities are also certified under BRC, IFS, and Halal standards, supporting international distribution across a growing number of markets.

A natural step in a long relationship

Portugal and Japan share a historical connection dating back to the 16th century, when Portuguese sailors became the first Europeans to reach Japan.

This encounter left lasting traces in language, culture, and gastronomy.

Expo 2025 Osaka celebrated this historic relationship. The arrival of Portuguese custard tarts in Japanese retail marks another chapter in that story, bringing a traditional Portuguese product into everyday life for Japanese consumers.

Discover Portuguese egg tarts at Costco Japan

What began as a culinary discovery at Expo Osaka is now becoming part of daily life.

With Nata Pura pastéis de nata now available at Costco Japan, consumers can experience the flavour of one of Portugal’s most beloved pastries from the comfort of their homes.

Warm from the oven or toaster oven in just minutes, the Portuguese custard tart continues its journey from Lisbon’s historic bakeries to kitchens around the world.

And in Japan, that journey is only just beginning.

Why frozen pastry is becoming a strategic choice for global foodservice

frozen pastry is becoming a strategic choice for global foodservice

Over the past decade, the global foodservice industry has undergone a quiet transformation. Restaurants, coffee shops, and hospitality operators are facing increasing pressure to deliver consistent quality while managing rising costs, labour shortages, and operational complexity.

In this environment, frozen pastry has evolved from a simple convenience product into a strategic solution for modern foodservice operations.

Today, frozen bakery products allow businesses to maintain quality, optimise workflows, and scale across multiple locations, while responding to changing consumer expectations. Companies such as Nata Pura, known for producing traditional Portuguese pastries for international markets, illustrate how frozen bakery products can support global foodservice operators without compromising authenticity.

The growing complexity of foodservice operations

Foodservice operators are navigating a much more demanding landscape than they were just a few years ago.

Across markets, businesses must manage:

  • labour shortages in kitchens and bakeries
  • increasing ingredient costs
  • pressure for speed and efficiency
  • the need for consistent quality across locations

At the same time, consumers expect bakery products to look and taste freshly made.

Balancing these demands has become increasingly challenging, especially for businesses operating in multiple locations or markets.

Frozen pastry offers a practical way to simplify these operations without compromising product quality.

Consistency across locations

For many foodservice brands, consistency is one of the biggest operational challenges.

A coffee shop chain with ten locations – or a hospitality group operating across multiple countries – must ensure that customers experience the same product every time they visit.

Frozen pastry helps standardise this process.

Products prepared in controlled production environments can guarantee:

  • consistent recipes
  • stable baking performance
  • uniform product quality

This allows foodservice operators to deliver the same pastry experience regardless of location, equipment, or staff expertise

Simplifying kitchen operations

Another major advantage of frozen bakery products is operational simplicity.

Many foodservice establishments do not have specialised pastry chefs on staff. Preparing pastries from scratch requires time, training and precise processes that not every kitchen can support.

Frozen pastry significantly reduces this complexity.

Instead of managing multiple ingredients and production steps, operators can focus on a simplified workflow:

  1. store the product frozen
  2. bake or finish on-site
  3. serve fresh to customers

This approach reduces preparation time while maintaining the freshness consumers value.

Reducing waste and improving planning

Food waste remains a major issue in the hospitality industry.

Fresh pastry products often have a very short shelf life, forcing businesses to either overproduce or risk running out during peak hours.

Frozen products offer greater flexibility.

Because they can be stored for longer periods and prepared in controlled quantities, businesses can better manage demand throughout the day.

This flexibility helps operators:

  • reduce waste
  • optimise inventory management
  • improve cost control

For high-volume operations, these efficiencies can have a significant impact on profitability.

Supporting international food concepts

Another reason frozen pastry is gaining relevance is its role in global food distribution.

Today, foodservice businesses increasingly want to offer authentic products from different culinary traditions. However, producing these products locally can be difficult without specialised knowledge or ingredients.

Frozen pastry allows traditional products to travel beyond their place of origin while maintaining their identity.

A classic example is our pastel de nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart. Through modern frozen bakery production and cold-chain logistics, this traditional pastry can now be served in every corner across different continents while preserving its original characteristics.

For operators, this means they can offer distinctive products without needing complex production capabilities

Meeting modern consumer expectations

Consumers today are increasingly attentive to quality, authenticity and experience.

They expect bakery products to deliver:

  • appealing visual presentation
  • balanced flavour and texture
  • freshness at the moment of consumption

Modern frozen pastry production technologies allow manufacturers to preserve product structure, flavour and texture throughout the freezing process.

As a result, the final baked product can closely match the characteristics of freshly prepared pastry.

This evolution has helped change the perception of frozen bakery products from a compromise solution to a professional tool for foodservice operators.

A strategic tool for scalable foodservice

As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, efficiency and scalability are becoming essential.

Businesses need solutions that allow them to expand operations while maintaining product quality and operational control.

Frozen pastry provides exactly that.

By simplifying preparation, ensuring consistency and enabling international distribution, frozen bakery products support foodservice operators in building reliable and scalable menus.

What was once considered a convenience product has become a key component of modern foodservice strategy.

International market expansion for food brands: 5 strategic questions

nata pura byfoods International expansion for food brands: 5 strategic questions

International market expansion for food brands like Nata Pura is often perceived as a natural and almost inevitable stage of growth. A distributor shows interest, conversations at a trade fair feel promising, a retailer requests samples, and suddenly, the idea of entering a new market gains momentum. In these moments, expansion can seem like the logical next move. However, enthusiasm and opportunity do not automatically translate into readiness.

In today’s global Food & Beverage landscape, entering a new geography without structured analysis can quickly turn potential into exposure. Regulatory frameworks vary significantly, consumer expectations evolve constantly, and pricing pressures are more intense than ever. Internationalisation is no longer about reacting to interest; it is about assessing alignment. Before committing financial resources, adapting production lines or formalising agreements, brands must evaluate whether expansion is supported by evidence, operational capacity and strategic clarity.

1. Is there sustainable demand in this market?

One of the most common pitfalls in international market expansion for food brands is confusing initial curiosity with long-term demand. Interest from a distributor or retailer may indicate openness, but it does not necessarily confirm repeat purchase behaviour, consumer loyalty or scalable growth. Sustainable demand is revealed through measurable indicators: consistent category growth, shelf presence across multiple retailers, competitive density and established consumption patterns.

A product may appear innovative or premium in a foreign market, yet its success ultimately depends on how naturally it integrates into local habits. Does it align with taste preferences? Does it fit recognised consumption occasions? Is there cultural familiarity with similar formats? Products that require consumers to change behaviour significantly face higher barriers to adoption. Expansion decisions should therefore be grounded in evidence of repeat potential and structural category support, not merely in the appeal of novelty.

2. Does the product require strategic adaptation?

Rarely does a product transfer seamlessly across borders. Taste expectations, sweetness levels, portion sizes, packaging formats and even colour symbolism can differ from one market to another. Labelling regulations and compliance standards add further complexity, often requiring reformulation or redesign.

Yet adaptation is not only technical; it is also strategic. A product positioned as indulgent in one country may perform more effectively as an everyday option in another. Messaging built around tradition in one market might need to emphasise convenience or functionality elsewhere. The objective is to ensure relevance. Successful international market expansion for food brands preserves the core proposition while allowing flexibility in execution. Consistency builds recognition, but adaptability enables resonance.

3. Is the value proposition immediately clear?

In highly competitive retail environments, clarity determines impact. Consumers make rapid decisions, often within seconds, and products that require explanation struggle to secure attention. If the core benefit, whether quality, authenticity, health, convenience, or price, is not immediately visible, differentiation weakens.

This challenge becomes more pronounced in markets where private labels hold strong positions or where economic pressure shapes purchasing behaviour. In such contexts, brands must communicate value succinctly and convincingly. Before entering a new geography, organisations should be able to articulate in a single, precise statement why their product deserves space on shelf and in basket. When positioning feels diluted or overly complex, refinement is necessary. Clear value propositions reduce friction, support distributor negotiations and accelerate consumer adoption.

4. Are margins sustainable after international costs?

International expansion inevitably introduces additional cost layers. Logistics, warehousing, distributor margins, promotional investments and potential currency fluctuations all influence final profitability. A product that performs well domestically may see margins significantly compressed once these variables are accounted for.

Without rigorous financial modelling, volume growth can mask underlying vulnerability. Brands must assess whether their pricing structure can sustain international distribution without eroding brand equity or compromising positioning. Can the product maintain its intended quality perception while remaining competitive? Can it absorb promotional cycles demanded by retailers? Growth that undermines financial stability weakens long-term competitiveness. Sustainable expansion requires economic discipline alongside commercial ambition.

5. Is the organisation ready for long-term commitment?

Entering a new market is rarely a short-term initiative. Even with strong partners, building brand presence demands consistency, operational reliability and ongoing investment. Retailers expect dependable supply, distributors require strategic alignment and consumers need repeated exposure before habits form.

International market expansion for food brands therefore requires patience. Sporadic shipments, reactive pricing adjustments or inconsistent marketing support seldom create durable market presence. Beyond market attractiveness, the central question is organisational readiness. Does the company possess the internal resources, operational flexibility, and long-term vision required to support sustained expansion? It seems that opportunity alone is insufficient without commitment.

Global markets continue to offer significant opportunity for ambitious food brands. Consumer curiosity for international flavours remains strong, and cross-border trade is more accessible than ever. However, the conditions for success have matured. International market expansion for food brands is about preparation.

Validating demand, adapting strategically, protecting margins, and committing to the long term are not optional steps; they are foundational disciplines. The brands that succeed internationally are not necessarily those that enter first. They are those who enter with clarity, evidence, and resilience.

Entering a market may be a decision. Building one is a strategy.

Top 10 Food & Beverage trends for 2026: what’s actually changing consumer choices

10 top Food & Beverage trends for 2026

When looking at the Food&Beverage trends for 2026, one thing is clear: innovation can no longer rely on inspiration alone.

For years, a new flavour, a new format, or a new concept was often enough to win attention. If it felt exciting, it went to market.

Today, that approach is no longer enough.

Consumers are more informed, more selective and, above all, more intentional. They are not simply choosing what tastes good or what looks new. They are choosing products that fit their routines, support their health, justify their spending and align with their values. As a result, growth is increasingly driven not by novelty, but by relevance.

Recent global consumer and product launch data points to a clear shift in how food decisions are made. Instead of chasing trends, successful brands are responding to deeper behavioural changes. Across categories and markets, ten movements stand out as the strongest forces shaping purchases in 2026 trends.

Health becomes the baseline, not the bonus

The first and perhaps most visible shift is the normalisation of functional nutrition. Protein, for example, is no longer confined to sports or fitness audiences. It has become everyday fuel. Consumers associate it with energy, weight management, healthy ageing, and even mental performance. What used to live in protein powders and gym snacks is now spreading across bars, bakery, dairy, ready meals, and beverages. The expectation is simple: food should actively contribute to wellbeing. Nutrition is not a bonus anymore; it is the baseline.

A similar evolution is happening with digestive health. Gut health has moved from specialist conversations to mainstream concern, increasingly perceived as the foundation for overall wellness. Consumers connect digestion with immunity, energy levels, sleep quality and stress management. This explains the growing demand for fibre-rich products, fermented foods, probiotics and prebiotic drinks. Interestingly, the most successful products are not the most technical ones, but the ones that communicate benefits in a simple and natural way. “Good for your gut” resonates more than complex scientific language.

Experience still matters – but indulgence is smarter

At the same time, indulgence has not disappeared; it has simply matured. Consumers still want treats, but they want them to feel justified. Indulgence is becoming more multidimensional, combining pleasure with comfort, sensory richness, and, sometimes, a better-for-you angle. Texture, layering, premium ingredients, and emotional storytelling are increasingly important. A dessert is not just sweet; it is a moment of relaxation, a reward, or a small escape. The focus is less on excess and more on experience.

Beverages are emerging as one of the fastest innovation platforms in this new landscape. Drinks offer convenience, portability and frequent consumption moments, making them ideal carriers for functional benefits. Hydration, protein, vitamins, energy support and digestive claims are increasingly delivered in liquid formats. For many consumers, beverages feel like an easy, low-commitment way to “upgrade” their health habits. For brands, they offer faster trial and adoption compared to more complex food formats.

Plant-based is also entering a new phase. After years dominated by imitation products designed to replicate meat or dairy, consumers are showing a stronger preference for foods that stand on their own nutritional value. Legumes, seeds, grains and naturally protein-rich plants feel more authentic and trustworthy than highly processed substitutes. The conversation is shifting from replacement to nourishment. Rather than asking, “What does this copy?”, consumers are asking, “What does this give me?”.

Convenience and formats designed for real life

Beyond health, everyday life itself is reshaping how food is consumed. Eating patterns are becoming more fragmented, with more single-person households, solo meals, and flexible schedules. Traditional family dining occasions are less consistent, and snacking is replacing structured meals for many people. This is driving demand for smaller portions, single-serve formats, ready-to-heat solutions, and products designed for specific moments rather than broad categories. Convenience is not just about speed anymore; it is about fitting seamlessly into real life.

Value and trust guide purchase decisions

Economic pressure is another powerful filter. As uncertainty rises, value becomes central to decision-making. Consumers are prioritising affordability, simplicity and reliability. Private labels are gaining ground, and products that clearly communicate “good value for money” are often favoured over more complex or premium options. Importantly, value does not mean cheap. It means fair. Shoppers are willing to pay more, but only when the benefit is obvious and tangible.

Mental well-being is also becoming part of the food conversation. Stress, focus, and energy levels are now everyday concerns, and consumers increasingly look to food and drinks for support. Ingredients such as botanicals, teas, and adaptogens are gaining traction as people search for natural ways to feel calmer, sharper, or more balanced. This marks an interesting expansion of what food is expected to do. It is no longer just about physical health; it is also about emotional and cognitive support.

Tradition and emotional connection drive loyalty

At the same time, tradition is gaining renewed importance. In uncertain times, familiarity reassures. Regional recipes, heritage methods and authentic flavours evoke comfort, identity and connection. Foods linked to childhood memories or cultural roots often feel more meaningful than abstract “innovations.” For many brands, origin stories and craftsmanship are becoming strategic assets, not just marketing details. Authenticity builds trust.

Finally, sustainability remains a critical factor, but with a caveat. Consumers are increasingly sceptical of generic environmental claims. They respond better to actions that feel concrete and visible: support for local farmers, transparent supply chains, responsible sourcing, and practical packaging improvements. Sustainability still influences purchasing decisions, but only when it feels real and provable. Saying less and showing more has become essential.

Designing for behaviour, not just trends

Taken together, these movements reveal a broader truth about the future of food. Health is becoming the default expectation, not a premium feature. Emotional value is what differentiates one product from another. And price sensitivity acts as the final filter through which every decision passes.

In this environment, growth will not come from launching more products. It will come from launching better ones; products that solve real needs, fit real occasions, and deliver clear, credible value.

In other words, the winners in 2026 will not simply follow trends. They will understand behaviour and design accordingly.

This article is informed by insights and data presented during the PortugalFoods TRENDS 26 session (10.02.2026).

Gulfood 2026: key takeaways from one of the world’s most influential food trade shows

Gulfood 2026

Global insights, market direction and strategic relevance for food brands

Gulfood 2026, held in Dubai, once again confirmed its role as one of the most influential global platforms for the international food and beverage industry. Bringing together producers, distributors, buyers, and decision-makers from across the world, the event offered a privileged perspective on where the global food market is heading – and how brands must position themselves to remain relevant.

For export-oriented companies like BY Foods, Gulfood is not only a trade fair. Instead, it functions as a strategic observatory of global demand, buyer expectations, and emerging market dynamics.

Why Gulfood 2026 matters in global food trade

Gulfood has long established itself as a reference point for international food trade, particularly at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

In 2026, the event reinforced several realities of global food business:

  • Buyers are increasingly focused on reliable partners, not just innovative products
  • Quality validation and consistency play a central role in purchasing decisions
  • Export readiness, logistics capability and compliance are now baseline expectations

As a result, Gulfood continues to be a key meeting point for brands aiming to scale internationally with credibility.

Key trends observed at Gulfood 2026

1. Consistency over novelty

While innovation remains relevant, many buyers prioritised products that demonstrate. Therefore, brands with a clear quality track record and validated credentials stood out more than one-off concepts.

2. Certifications and awards as decision enablers

In international negotiations, independent recognitions increasingly act as risk-reduction tools. For this reason, awards, certifications and third-party validations were frequently referenced in commercial discussions.

3. Export-ready brands with operational maturity

Beyond product quality, buyers showed strong interest in brands capable of:

  • Managing large-scale production
  • Ensuring cold chain and logistics reliability
  • Adapting packaging and formats to different markets

As a result, operational maturity has become as important as brand storytelling.

Gulfood as a strategic platform for export-driven brands

In international food trade, trade shows like Gulfood are more than visibility moments. Instead, they operate as strategic checkpoints, allowing brands to:

  • Validate their market positioning
  • Test value propositions across regions
  • Build long-term commercial relationships

Moreover, Gulfood provides a rare opportunity to engage with multiple markets in a single context, accelerating learning cycles and strategic alignment.

The role of Gulfood in BY Foods’ international strategy

For BY Foods, Gulfood 2026 aligned with a broader export-focused vision grounded in:

  • Long-term partnerships rather than transactional sales
  • Measurable quality and consistency
  • Scalable products adapted to diverse international markets

Therefore, participation in global events like Gulfood supports not only commercial growth but also strategic clarity regarding where the brand creates the most value.

As global food markets become more competitive and more regulated, platforms such as Gulfood will continue to play a critical role in shaping international trade dynamics.

Ultimately, Gulfood 2026 reaffirmed a clear message: in the global food business, success is built on consistency, credibility,Gulfood 2026 and operational excellence – not on short-term trends.

Original Nata Pura wins 2 stars at the Superior Taste Award in 2025

original nata pura by foods winner of superior taste award 2025

A benchmark of quality and consistency in Portuguese pastry

BY Foods is proud to announce that Original Nata Pura has once again been awarded 2 stars at the Superior Taste Award, reinforcing its position as an internationally recognised, award-winning Portuguese pastel de nata.

This distinction, granted by the International Taste Institute, highlights outstanding flavour, and something far more difficult to achieve at scale: consistency over time.

For BY Foods, this renewed recognition is a clear validation of its long-term commitment to quality, precision and authenticity in Portuguese pastry.

A consistent Superior Taste Award recognition over the years

Our Portuguese eggtart or pastel de nata – Original Nata Pura – has been evaluated multiple times by independent international juries and has consistently achieved high sensory scores across different editions of the Superior Taste Award.

This continuity reflects a robust production model built on:

  • Strict quality control procedures;
  • Carefully selected ingredients;
  • A stable and replicable recipe;
  • Controlled production and freezing processes.

In global food markets, consistency is often more valuable than novelty. It is what builds trust with distributors, retailers and foodservice partners.

What does a 2-star Superior Taste Award mean?

The Superior Taste Award is one of the world’s most respected certifications dedicated exclusively to taste evaluation. Products are blind-tested by professional chefs and sommeliers, with no information regarding brand, origin or price positioning.

A 2-star rating indicates:

  • Remarkable taste quality;
  • Strong balance between flavour, texture and aroma;
  • High overall sensory performance.

For buyers and partners, this award serves as an independent and objective quality benchmark.

Original Nata Pura: an award-winning Portuguese pastel de nata

BY Foods developed Original Nata Pura to deliver an authentic Portuguese custard tart experience, adapted to the demands of international distribution.

Its success lies in balancing tradition with scalability:

  • Respect for classic Portuguese pastry heritage;
  • Performance across retail and foodservice channels;
  • Reliable results in different markets and consumption contexts.

This renewed Superior Taste Award reinforces the product’s positioning as a premium, export-ready Portuguese pastry.

Why international awards matter in food exports

Awards in international food trade are more than marketing assets. They function as decision-support tools for importers, distributors and retailers.

A recognised certification:

  • Reduces perceived risk for new markets;
  • Supports negotiations with buyers;
  • Strengthens credibility in competitive international tenders.

For BY Foods, international recognition aligns directly with its export-driven strategy and long-term brand building.

BY Foods’ commitment to measurable quality

Winning the same award across multiple years reflects a company culture focused on:

  • Continuous improvement;
  • Process optimisation;
  • Long-term partnerships;
  • Measurable, repeatable quality standards.

Original Nata Pura’s renewed 2-star distinction confirms that quality at BY Foods is systematic.

As BY Foods continues to expand globally, maintaining recognised quality standards remains a strategic priority. As a result, awards such as the Superior Taste Award serve as both validation and responsibility: a confirmation of excellence, and a commitment to uphold it.

👉 Learn more about the award evaluation here:
https://www.taste-institute.com/en/awarded-products/product-details/7546856918

Nata Pura named International Bakery Awards Product of the Year 2025: a milestone in global expansion and brand consolidation in Portugal

Product of the Year at the 2025 International Bakery & Confectionery Awards

Nata Pura has been named Product of the Year at the 2025 International Bakery & Confectionery Awards. This marks a major recognition for BY Foods and for the growing global appreciation of Portuguese pastry. The award highlights the product’s quality, innovation, and consistency. It also reflects the strength of a brand that has taken a traditional Portuguese icon to dozens of international markets. While doing so, it has preserved its authenticity.

The International Bakery Awards celebrate products that excel in flavour, creativity, and technical execution. Among a strong group of finalists, Nata Pura stood out for its ability to deliver the true characteristics of a traditional pastel de nata. Even in a frozen format, it preserves those characteristics.

The product keeps its crisp layers, smooth custard, and caramelised top even at scale. As a result, it achieves something few pastries manage without compromise.

Nata Pura enhances the original recipe rather than reinventing it. The brand combines classic baking techniques with modern production methods. This enables both artisan bakeries and large foodservice operators to offer a premium, reliable pastel de nata experience.

This balance between heritage and innovation has been key to its global acceptance.

The award also arrives at a moment when international demand for authentic bakery products is growing rapidly. Consumers are looking for craftsmanship, cultural identity and flavours with a story. Because of that, Nata Pura has become a symbol of this movement. It represents Portuguese culinary heritage with quality that resonates in markets around the world.

For retailers, distributors and potential franchise partners, the distinction sends a strong message. Nata Pura is a brand with clear vision, long-term potential and strong consumer appeal. Consequently, the award strengthens confidence in the brand and supports its continued expansion.

Being named International Bakery Awards Product of the Year 2025 is more than an honour. It validates the strategic vision that defines Nata Pura. More importantly, it marks a new chapter in the journey of a Portuguese icon. Today, it stands as a globally respected bakery favourite.

Nata Pura at MotoGP Portimão: a brand activation that brought Portugal to the track

MotoGP Portimão 2025 ativação de marca Nata Pura brand activation

From November 7–9, Nata Pura brought the flavour of Portugal to MotoGP Portimão. As a result, this brand activation created a strong moment of visibility and connection with thousands of visitors at the Algarve International Circuit. Present in 24 FanZone points, Nata Pura reinforced the pastel de nata as a global symbol of Portugal.

MotoGP is one of the world’s most-watched sporting competitions, attracting a diverse international audience, high engagement, and massive media coverage. Therefore, it offers the ideal stage to combine visibility with memorable experiences. For Nata Pura, the event supported its mission to share the authentic Portuguese custard tart worldwide, reinforcing its status as the most awarded pastel de nata.

Nata Pura’s presence at MotoGP Portimão carried symbolic weight. After a year marked by international growth – with activations, partnerships, and tastings across Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Europe – returning to Portugal in such a high-impact setting strengthened the brand’s emotional narrative: a Portuguese tradition with a global voice.

A partnership with local impact: promoting the new Nata Pura Caffé Lagos

This activation was also developed in partnership with Nata Pura Caffé Lagos, the brand’s new store in the Algarve. More than a launch, this opening marks the beginning of a new franchising chain. A promises to bring the world’s most awarded pastel de nata back home, and closer to consumers. The presence at MotoGP served as a powerful platform to announce and amplify this milestone, ensuring immediate regional visibility and driving awareness toward the new space.

A strategy focused on experience, reach, and authenticity

The activation was built upon three strategic pillars designed to maximise reach and engagement.

1. Distributed presence across 24 points of sale
Nata Pura products were available in bars, food courts, VIP lounges, and high-traffic zones throughout the circuit. This widespread distribution ensured that visitors repeatedly encountered the brand, increasing awareness and reinforcing recall.

2. Product sampling and sensory engagement
One of the strongest components of the activation was the tasting of mini pastéis de nata. Offering a direct sensory experience allowed Portuguese and international consumers to connect emotionally with the brand. These moments of delight often translate into spontaneous social media sharing, organically amplifying visibility.

3. Strong and consistent visual identity
Nata Pura maintained its iconic black visual identity across materials and touchpoints. This ensured coherence with the brand’s global image, reinforcing elegance, premium positioning, and recognisability.

A return to Portugal with global impact

In 2025, Nata Pura strengthened its international footprint by participating in major events in Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Ending the year with a key activation at home, and in such a vibrant, high-exposure environment, reinforced the brand’s role as a global ambassador of Portuguese pastry.

The presence of Nata Pura at MotoGP Portimão demonstrated how a well-designed brand activation can go beyond visibility. It can create real connections, emotional impact, and meaningful brand memorability. Through distribution, sampling, and consistent identity, Nata Pura once again celebrated the power of the pastel de nata. This pastry is a flavour that unites tradition, pride, and global appeal.

Global moves: 10 lessons in internationalisation learned on the ground

Mabílio de Albuquerque CEO Nata Pura BY Foods pastéis de nata lessons in internationalisation

Over the past few months, our CEO, Mabilio de Albuquerque, has been sharing daily insights on LinkedIn about internationalization; the result of years of experience taking a Portuguese brand to more than 37 countries.
In this article, we consolidate the 10 key lessons in internationalisation from these reflections, highlighting what it truly takes to transform a local product into a global success.

1. Mindset comes first

Before logistics, regulations, or contracts, entrepreneurs need to prepare their mindset.
Going global means embracing uncertainty, adapting faster than competitors, and turning risk into opportunity.
Without this mental shift, no export plan survives its first challenge.

2. Fear is the first invisible barrier

Regulations can be addressed with experts, but the fear of failure can paralyze a business before it even starts.
The courage to take the first step, even without all the answers, often separates the companies that stay local from the ones that go global.

3. Research is more than a plane ticket

Knowing a market doesn’t come from a flight. It requires deep study: consumer habits, cultural codes, distribution channels, and pricing psychology. You don’t “discover” a market – you study it into clarity.

4. Authenticity sells – but it must be accessible

Products with strong local identity, like the pastel de nata, can conquer the world.
The key is balancing authenticity and accessibility: keeping the essence while making it understandable and appealing to someone with no cultural references.

5. Internationalisation is less glamour and more resilience

Business trips may sound exciting, but reality is long hours, complex paperwork, and inevitable mistakes.
The reward is not the romance of the idea, but the resilience gained along the way.

6. Regulations are not obstacles, they’re maps

Food safety, labelling, or taxation rules may feel like a maze.
In fact, they are the map guiding your market entry.
Entrepreneurs who prepare and work with experts turn bureaucracy into a competitive advantage.

7. Culture matters as much as product

Negotiating in Tokyo is not the same as in Lisbon.
Understanding cultural codes, business pace, and local expectations is what ensures a product not only arrives but also stays in a market.

8. Price speaks a different language in every country

Pricing is more than math; it’s positioning.
What feels premium in one market may seem affordable in another.
Setting international prices requires cultural sensitivity, competitor benchmarks, and strategic vision.

9. Digital is often the first door to new markets

Today, the first international sale often happens online.
Social media, e-commerce, and global platforms are the new entry point.
Having a digital strategy tailored to local behaviours can open markets before the first shipment leaves the factory.

10. Resilience is the currency that never devalues

Capital funds internationalisation, but resilience sustains it.
Every setback (delays, rejections, failed launches) becomes growth only if the entrepreneur can rise again.
In the end, going global is more than business: it’s a school of life.

Mabilio’s reflections on LinkedIn show that internationalisation is not a straight line.
It is a journey of courage, research, adaptation, and resilience.
For any company dreaming of going global, these lessons are practical reminders that growth abroad requires more than product; it requires vision, culture, and humanity.

Creative ways to serve frozen custard tarts in summer menus

Pretty girl eating a pastel de nata Nata Pura

Make the most of summer menus with a versatile, premium dessert

Summer brings lighter meals, seasonal menus, and a constant demand for creative, feel-good food. But that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent your dessert offer from scratch. Sometimes, all it takes is a twist on a classic.

Frozen custard tarts – like the iconic Portuguese custard tart – offer the perfect balance of tradition, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a hotel, coffee shop, or catering business, here are fresh ideas to make this product shine all summer long.

1. Brunch boards & boutique breakfasts

Brunch is one of the most photographed and shared meals of the day, and adding a pastel de nata to the table makes the moment even more memorable.

  • Serve mini frozen custard tarts with seasonal fruit and Greek yogurt as part of a breakfast platter.
  • Add them to a Portuguese-inspired brunch board, alongside cheeses, jams, crusty bread, and coffee.
  • Pair with iced coffee, kombucha, or sparkling water for a light, modern twist.

Tip: Opt for bite-size tarts for easy plating and better cost control.

2. Reinvented summer desserts

Tarts are a natural canvas for creativity. Elevate your frozen custard tart with seasonal toppings or unexpected combinations.

  • Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of passion fruit pulp for a vibrant look.
  • Serve à la mode: warm custard tart + vanilla gelato = instant summer hit.
  • Get gourmet: deconstruct the tart with pastry shards, custard quenelle, and crumble for a plated dessert.

Tip: Pair with sparkling rosé or cold-brew coffee to balance sweetness.

3. For events, catering and outdoor service

If you’re managing events, pop-ups, food trucks, or even rooftop bars, the frozen custard tart offers flexibility and wow-factor without requiring a full kitchen.

  • Tart skewers with strawberries, mint, and a drizzle of chocolate.
  • Tarts in a cup: crumble base + baked custard tart + whipped cream – perfect for standing events.
  • Customise with local flavours: matcha, yuzu, cardamom, salted caramel.

Tip: Frozen pastries mean zero prep stress – bake, top, and serve.

Why frozen works for business

Nata Pura’s frozen Portuguese tarts are crafted with quality ingredients and deep respect for tradition, but designed for modern kitchens.

You get:

  • Consistent results every time;
  • Less waste, better stock control;
  • Short bake times and no prep needed;
  • A product that adapts to your creativity and seasonality.

Whether you run a boutique hotel or a busy coffee shop chain, like Starbucks, frozen custard tarts offer a simple way to elevate your dessert experience.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new ways of serving old favourites. With a high-quality frozen custard tart, you’re not just offering dessert – you’re offering a moment your customers will remember (and maybe even post about).

Want to bring these ideas to life?

We work with professionals in 35+ countries, providing frozen tarts that are ready to bake, serve, and impress.

Let’s build your summer menu together.
Contact us today