Financing blends private funds and VC support from IR Capital (10 million euros in 2025), with a partial minority stake held by Fundo Inter-Risco Consolidar under the PRR framework to diversify debt and equity sources.

The project began in 2017 with a 50 million euro investment turning abandoned Beira Interior lands into more than 1,300 hectares of almond orchards and planting one million trees, led by CEO David Carvalho and partner Felipe Rosa.

Plans include a 13 million euro almond dehulling and processing unit in Castelo Branco (2027–2029) to boost processing capacity and potentially serve other local producers, strengthening the regional supply chain.

Export growth is central, with over 70% of production already shipped to about 15 countries; the target is to reach 90% exports while expanding into Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and potentially Brazil.

Vera Cruz is pursuing a farm-to-product model, handling production, harvesting, processing, and marketing, using the Better With branding to gain international recognition beyond agricultural prowess.

The Portuguese agribusiness group is investing 56 million euros to move from farming almonds to controlling the full value chain from field to final product, aiming to place Portugal on the map as a superfood producer.

Rising energy and fertilizer costs and labor shortages pose challenges, with about 50 direct employees and potential seasonal peaks near 200, alongside ongoing retention investments.

The overarching goal is to transform Vera Cruz into a global, product-focused brand rooted in Beira Interior, expanding beyond almonds to become a recognized sustainable, value-added foods reference.

Sustainability efforts include regenerative agriculture to cut water use, boost biodiversity, and monitor ecosystems, with studies from the University of Évora showing positive biodiversity indicators and no pesticide residues in bees and honey.

Beyond commodities, Vera Cruz aims to build value-added products under the Better With brand, including flavored almonds and products like almond paste and oil, while exploring private-label opportunities with retailers such as Continente.