Businessman Rui Nabeiro, founder of the Nabeiro – Delta Cafés group died this Sunday at the age of 91, at Hospital da Luz, in Lisbon, a source for the group told Lusa.
“It is with deep regret that the Nabeiro family informs that, today, March 19, Commander Manuel Rui Azinhais Nabeiro, president and founder of the Nabeiro Group – Delta Cafés, died”, can be read in a statement sent by the group.
Rui Nabeiro “was hospitalized at Hospital da Luz, due to respiratory problems”, can be read in the same statement, sent by the Nabeiro Group.
“For some, Commander, for others, Mr. Rui, a truly inspiring person for all of us, who made his life and passion for coffee an example for all Portuguese people”, reads the Delta publication on Facebook, where it reports on the death of the founder.
“Unique in its human qualities and values, it leaves us a legacy of generosity, empathy and closeness. Until forever, Mr. Rui.”
Manuel Rui Azinhais Nabeiro was born on March 28, 1931, in Campo Maior, in the district of Portalegre. He started working at just 12 years old helping his family — his mother, in a grocery store, and his father and uncles, in the coffee roasting.
At the age of 19, he took over the management of the company Torrefacção Camelo, Lda.
In 1961, he created Delta Cafés, currently one of the largest companies in the coffee market, in a warehouse measuring 50 square meters and two roasting balls with a capacity of 30 kg.
Rui Nabeiro was even appointed Mayor of Campo Maior, even before the 25th of April, in 1962 and 1972. However, he held the position for a short time — less than a year. Five years later, in 1977, he would return to office, this time elected by the Socialist Party. He stepped down in 1986 after being re-elected twice.
In 1995, he received the rank of commander of the Civil Order of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Merit. In 2006, a new degree of commander: this time that of the Order of Infante D. Henrique.