Loja do Sal is a family-run business that offers 100% Portuguese products, embodying a legacy that spans four generations and reflects deep-rooted values and respect for tradition. With over 150 years of history, Loja do Sal continues to thrive, driven by a passion for origins, precision, and a commitment to the best that nature provides.
The story began in the summer of 1865, when great-grandfather Justino and great-grandmother Olivia managed a small tavern in the Salinas de Rio Maior. The tavern primarily operated during the summer, a busy time for salt workers. Justino used a unique system of symbols, etched into the wooden walls of the tavern, to track the expenses of each salt worker. These symbols represented the drinks served and their corresponding prices, which were recorded on wooden rulers. Salt workers settled their tabs with salt, transforming the tavern into a commercial hub from the very beginning. Justino’s son, Artur, continued the family business, converting the tavern into a wine cellar. The symbols Justino had devised evolved into the region’s iconic "writing rulers," typically measuring between 1 to 1.5 meters in length and 10 to 15 cm in width. These rulers were marked with conventional signs that indicated the drink provided and its price.
The wine cellar and salt trade grew steadily, laying the foundation for what is now known as Loja do Sal. The modern incarnation of the business came about through the union of Fernando and Emília—Fernando inherited his father Artur’s love for the land, while Emília carried the history of the Salinas, as her father was one of the founders of the Rio Maior Agricultural Cooperative of Salt Producers. Together with their entrepreneurial sons, João and Luís Henriques Lopes, they launched the Loja do Sal brand in 2009. Loja do Sal, now a recognized name, is dedicated to innovation, history, and a deep respect for nature and tradition. The business oversees every step of the process, from the collection and packaging of the salt to its sale, ensuring the highest quality in each product.
