Portugal - Distribution & Sales Channels Portugal - Distribution & Sales
Distribution & Sales Channels
The Portuguese population is concentrated along the coast. The major distribution centers are Lisbon in the south and Porto in the north, although the regional centers of Braga (north of Porto) and Setubal (south of Lisbon) have come into their own in recent years. The Lisbon region accounts for 29% of Portugal's population with 63% employed in services and 33% employed in industry. Major industries as well as the head offices of many large corporations are located in Lisbon. Most financial institutions have also chosen the capital to locate their headquarters. The Lisbon area has the highest purchasing power in the country and suffers, like many metropolitan areas, from traffic congestion and rising costs.
Porto is the most dynamic industrial development area in Portugal. It accounts for 13% of the Portuguese population and is also an area of high purchasing power. Most importers and distributors have offices in Porto; U.S. firms looking to appoint a distributor in Portugal should not overlook this fact. Porto is connected to Lisbon by a direct and well-maintained highway and a bridge over the Douro River, and is also easily reached by train and direct flights.
Portugal is a relatively small country, and most sales channels cover the entire territory. Distribution centers tend to be located in Lisbon and Porto, although many large importers and wholesalers have branch sales offices and/or sub-agents or dealers in other principal cities and towns, including those in the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores.