13-08-2026
In 1996, a story began that would go on to transform the way fish and seafood are presented and consumed in Madeira. Today, 30 years later, we celebrate three decades of growth, innovation, quality and trust.
30 years ago, Ilhapeixe was founded with a clear vision: to add value to fishery products and introduce new ways of consuming them to the market.
At a time when much of the fish landed in Madeira was sold without processing, we saw an opportunity. Fish could reach consumers in different ways — more practical and adapted to their needs.
And so our journey began, always with our eyes on the sea and on the very best that Madeira has to offer.
From the very beginning, black scabbardfish has played a central role in Ilhapeixe’s history.
In 1996, there was virtually no processing of this species. This was precisely where we saw an opportunity to innovate: we became the first black scabbardfish processing company to introduce new ways of consuming this species to the market, namely in steaks and fillets.
The market response was very positive and helped increase the consumption of this species in the region, while also adding value to one of Madeira’s most traditional fisheries.
Over the years, black scabbardfish became our signature product, but our business continued to grow and our range expanded to include many other fish and seafood species.
Today, our products include species that are deeply rooted in Madeira’s culinary tradition, such as tuna and limpets, as well as gilthead seabream produced through aquaculture in Madeira.
Adding value to Madeira’s fishery products
Over the past 30 years, one of our key priorities has been to contribute to the value and recognition of products of regional origin.
Products bearing the “Produto da Madeira” (Product of Madeira) seal therefore hold a prominent place in our business. This certification identifies products with a connection to Madeira and also represents our commitment to supporting and promoting regional production.
For us, talking about fish and seafood from Madeira means much more than talking about a product. It means talking about an activity that is part of the region’s identity, about the people who work both at sea and on land, and about a cuisine deeply connected to the Atlantic.
30 years of growth and innovation
A 30-year history is not built by looking only to the past.
Over the past three decades, we have followed the evolution of the market, developed new products and explored new ways of bringing fish and seafood to consumers.
That spirit of innovation remains an integral part of Ilhapeixe. One example is the development of black scabbardfish rissoles, a product created in collaboration with a savoury pastry and snack manufacturer, designed to reinvent such a traditional species from Madeira.
Our business has also grown beyond the regional market. Today, Ilhapeixe has a commercial presence in several international markets, exporting its products to different countries.
A story built by people
No company reaches its 30th anniversary alone.
Behind every product and every order are people: our employees, suppliers, fishermen, partners and customers.
These relationships have enabled us to grow and to continue working every day to guarantee high-quality products and meet the needs of different markets.
That is also why this anniversary does not belong to Ilhapeixe alone.
It belongs to everyone who has been, and continues to be, part of our story.
30 years of Quality and Trust
Today, as we look back on these 30 years, we feel proud of the journey we have taken.
We started with an opportunity. We grew through hard work, dedication and innovation. And we built relationships of trust with those who have been with us for three decades.
We continue to believe in the potential of Madeira’s fish and seafood, in the value of regional products and in the importance of taking the quality of our products further and further.
30 years on, our commitment remains the same: to deliver Quality and Trust.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this story.
Ilhapeixe — 30 years of delivering Quality and Trust. 🐟💙