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The first
ever Portuguese factory of soaps and perfumes was founded
in 1887 in Oporto by Ferdinand Claus and Georges Ph. Schweder,
two Germans living in Portugal. By that time, this sort of
products were imported and considered a privilege of the wealthiest
classes.
In 1903,
Schweder left due to health problems and was replaced by Achilles
Alves de Brito as the company’s manager, while Willy Thessen
– a graduated perfumery chemist – became responsible for the
Technical Department. The business grew under the new owners,
as soap was becoming more and more popular.
The Germany
entrance on the World War I, forced the escape of the two
German partners in 1918 and the closing of Claus & Schweder.
Achilles de Brito, the Portuguese partner, along with his
brother Afonso, created a new company, the ACH. BRITO & CO.
Lda. However, Achilles de Brito decided to maintain the Claus
Porto brand and, for years, both brands coexisted as umbrella
brands, covering a set of product brands. The new company
became known for its quality and innovation, particularly
in packaging.
Throughout
the forties and fifties Ach. Brito conquered the leadership
of the domestic market. The company produced for the internal
market, especially for the Portuguese colonies, and exported
to England and United States of America. From early on, one
of Ach. Brito’s main concerns was to have faithful costumers,
which led to large investments in the aroma, texture and price
of its products. In 1953, the company even created its own
lithography, where labels were hand-painted.
Today, Claus
Porto carries on the tradition of high-quality, all-natural
soap making.
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