How does a small custard tart, born in Portuguese monasteries over three centuries ago, become a global success story? The answer lies in a perfect mix of consistency and adaptability, combined with a bold vision, and a world of pastel de nata global flavours.
At BY Foods, we’re not just exporting pastry – we’re exporting culture. And at the heart of this journey is someone who saw the potential long before the world was ready.
A vision for expansion, rooted in tradition
When Mabílio de Albuquerque founded BY Foods, he followed a simple but powerful belief: that one of Portugal’s most iconic pastries could find a home in markets far beyond its borders. At a time when many still saw frozen pastry as a compromise, he saw it as an opportunity. A way to preserve quality, guarantee consistency, and scale a product that deserved global attention.
With a clear vision and a strong connection to Portuguese culinary heritage, Mabílio set out to combine tradition with innovation. Not by changing the recipe, but by rethinking how it could be produced, transported and enjoyed around the world. Under his leadership, BY Foods grew from a local project into an international operation, with the brand Nata Pura distributed in over 37 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
His approach remains a guiding force today: respect the roots, trust the product, and adapt when needed to meet new tastes, cultures, and contexts.
Reinventing a classic: the global journey of a Portuguese icon
The traditional pastel de nata is universally loved. But behind the scenes, adapting it to local markets is an art – and a science.
We’ve seen our custard tarts enjoyed in countless ways around the world – served with green tea in Japan, paired with coffee or champagne in Europe, topped with ice cream or fresh fruit, featured as dessert, brunch, or even part of a premium breakfast.
Each variation reflects how local culture meets Portuguese tradition – and makes it their own.
The Middle East: sweet meets subtle
In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where dessert traditions often favour balance and subtle sweetness, the pastel de nata has found a unique niche. Its rich creaminess and delicate caramelised top make it a favourite in both premium retail and high-end hospitality, especially when paired with Arabic coffee or cardamom tea.
This region has proven that a product doesn’t need to change radically to resonate – it simply needs the right context and a quality guarantee.
Japan: matcha as a bridge between worlds
In Japan, respect for tradition goes hand in hand with a love for experimentation. The pastel de nata with matcha is a perfect example: the custard’s sweetness is beautifully balanced by the earthy bitterness of green tea powder, creating a new version that feels both local and premium.
This adaptation wasn’t born in a lab – it came from listening to local partners, chefs, and consumers.
France: when custard meets cheese
France, the land of pastry, is also a place where the unexpected can thrive – if done well. Our savoury pastéis de nata, featuring ingredients like brie or blue cheese, have unlocked new opportunities in the HoReCa channel.
Used as starters, brunch options, or canapés, these salty adaptations prove the versatility of the format. Once again, it’s not about replacing tradition; it’s about expanding its reach.
Consistency where it matters. Flexibility where it counts.
We never change the base of our recipe lightly. But we do pay attention to regional trends, flavour preferences, and the creative input of our partners.
Every new adaptation – whether flavour, format, or packaging – goes through a process of testing, feedback, and alignment. The goal is always the same: respect the soul of the product while making it feel at home, anywhere in the world.
This balance is what drives the sustainable global growth of BY Foods.
The world’s most adaptable pastry?
From Dubai to Tokyo, Paris to Seoul, our pastéis de nata are speaking different flavour languages – and being welcomed with open arms.
The Portuguese tradition remains the heart of our product.
But it’s our openness to the world that allows us to travel and thrive.
