A brand’s entry into Portugal can be carried out through a structured five-stage process. Performance by HM manages this journey over 12 to 16 weeks, ensuring full control, transparency and access to the right network of manufacturers.
How to start producing in Portugal, without risk
For many fashion brands, starting production in Portugal can seem complex. In reality, when properly structured, it is a clear, predictable and highly strategic process. Performance by HM turns this entry into the Portuguese market into a safe and efficient journey, ensuring compliance with the most demanding European standards, including traceability and CSRD requirements, from first contact through to final delivery.
What does the brand need to prepare to minimise risk?
To begin, the brand needs a clear creative brief including sketches, desired materials, quantities per style, and a timeline. Existing standards should be documented. No long-term commitment is required for the initial phase.
The 5 stages to producing in Portugal
1. Strategic risk consultation (1 week | no commitment)
The starting point is strategic alignment. At this stage, we analyse:
- Mapping of needs
- Technical requirements
- Volumes and price targets
- Timelines
- Initial vulnerability analysis of the current supply chain
2. Selecting the right manufacturer (1 week)
Based on the diagnosis, we identify 1 to 2 industrial partners from our verified network. Each proposal includes production capabilities, technical specialisation, relevant certifications, and a specific risk assessment. This is not simply sourcing, it is a strategic match between brand and manufacturer.
3. Sample development (approximately 3 to 6 weeks, though this figure is variable)
This stage splits into two distinct models:
CMT (Cut, Make, Trim)
Complete technical sheets, defined raw materials. Includes prototyping and SMS management, 1.5 weeks for protos/SMS.
Full Package Production (FPP) (7 to 8 weeks)
An integrated solution for brands seeking full development. Includes raw material sourcing, knitting/weaving, colour development and dyeing, around 6 weeks; prototyping and SMS, around 1.5 weeks for protos and SMS.
4. Production (4 to 8 weeks)
Once the product is validated, industrial production begins. We guarantee:
- Quality control at key stages (start, midpoint, pre-shipment and shipment)
- Continuous compliance monitoring
- Documentation aligned with CSRD requirements
Result: consistent, auditable and predictable production.
5. Delivery
Fast, efficient road transport to European logistics hubs (e.g. Paris), 3 to 5 day delivery. Includes complete documentation, validated traceability, assured regulatory compliance.
Transport to be defined for intercontinental logistics hubs, delivery times variable. Includes complete documentation, validated traceability (where required), assured regulatory compliance (where required).
What your brand needs to prepare
To speed up the process and minimise risk, we recommend the brand have ready:
- A structured creative brief (with sketches and material intent)
- Technical sheets (TSs), if available
- Patterns (if available)
- Defined and documented quality standards
- Quantities per style and price targets
- Development and delivery timeline
What is the risk of waiting?
The best manufacturers in Northern Portugal don’t work by availability, they work by selection. As demand grows, available capacity shrinks, access to premium partners becomes more limited, and timing becomes a critical competitive factor. Entering early means choosing better. Waiting means adapting to what’s left.
Over 30 years making it possible to produce in Portugal
With more than three decades of experience on the ground, Performance by HM supports international brands in their transition to Portugal with a structured, transparent and results-driven approach. Producing in Portugal doesn’t have to be complex. With the right partner, it becomes a competitive advantage.