Throughout our time in Portugal, we received the chance to visit a wide variety of different businesses. Although they have similarities to other companies in the U.S., there are many things that were different. To begin, I noticed a large difference in the rich history many of the companies had and how they let their traditions guide them. For example, when we visited Vista Alegra, a porcelain company, we not only saw how they function as a company currently, but we got to see the history that shaped them into who they are today. They follow many of the same techniques that past workers and artists discovered, and they have remained true to things that were important to their founder, like religion. Many of the companies in the U.S. are not as old as Vista Alegra nor do they possess the continued craftmanship that Vista Alegra showcases.
In addition, I noticed how different and diverse the European market is compared to the U.S. market as a whole. Consumers in both of these areas are extremely different, and it was most evident to me when we visited the textile company. They are sold to companies all over the world, some in the U.S., Europe, or globally. Different styles of clothing were popular depending on which region of the world they were selling to. For example, European underwear tended to show more skin compared to underwear in the U.S., especially in men?s styles.
Finally, one of the largest differences I witnessed was how niche many of the markets in Portugal were compared to the U.S. The olive oil, wine, and cork industries only thrive because of their location. They are successful because of the land, climate, and family farmers that have farmed the land for generations. They are all successful because they are in Portugal.
In conclusion, I learned many things about the business environment of Portugal and how vastly different it is compared to the U.S.