Our Story
Celebrating Food,
Family & Festivities
Douro Valley, Portugal
Our Story
Felicidades e Saùde (Happiness & Health)
Esplendido Douro is dedicated not only to increasing awareness of the Douro Valley’s unique produce, but we are also committed to educating consumers about olive oil’s health benefits and taste. An important component of enhancing the consumer experience is to broaden our customers’ understanding of extra virgin olive oil’s many uses and provide a greater knowledge of pairings and recipes (especially Portuguese).
Moreover, our goal is to heighten the experience and enjoyment by consumers with tasting instructions and materials, allowing our customers to deepen their appreciation of quality olive oil products and increase their sophistication in capturing distinct taste, aroma, and color. Our marketing education program is based on our belief that superior olive oil contributes to healthy and happy living, captured by the Portuguese expression “felicidades e saùde,” or “happiness and health.” Once consumers learn how to properly use and taste quality extra virgin olive oil, market studies have confirmed that they become repeat and loyal buyer.
Values & Guiding Principals
We are a company that represents quality, authenticity, integrity, honesty, loyalty, and we celebrate healthy lifestyles. We are committed to the Douro Valley growers, promoting the region’s unique growing conditions, rigorous standards and sustainable practices. Azeite Esplêndido will not violate, adulterate, or alter this premium quality product.
As a company, we look to bring “felicidades e saúde” to our daily work, celebrating the food, family, and festivities of both US and Portuguese cultures in which we operate. We approach our work with a positive, “can do” attitude and engage all of our stakeholders with open and honest communications and patience. Recognizing that we are stakeholders in a larger global community, we have set an objective to give back to our communities.
From Lisbon to the Douro Valley: The Journey of a Visionary Entrepreneur
Jorge Manuel Caeiro Luis was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but his journey eventually led him north to the Douro Valley, drawn by the promise of olive oil production. His cousin, Henrique Cardozo, was cultivating olives on a large scale, and Jorge recognized the potential. With the region’s rich soil and ideal climate, he knew the olives would be of exceptional quality. What stood out to him, however, was the absence of a strong Portuguese presence in the olive oil market—especially abroad. Seeing an opportunity, he set his sights on the United States, where his brand, Esplêndido Douro, quickly won acclaim for its quality.
When he’s not producing and exporting olive oil, Jorge works as a restaurant manager aboard cruise ships—a career he has pursued for over 38 years.
He has two adult children, one living in Switzerland and the other in northern Portugal. Jorge thrives on the blend of entrepreneurship and hospitality, enjoying the chance to engage with people from all walks of life. Having circled the globe three times, he deeply values cultural exchange and connection.
An avid long-distance runner, Jorge has laced up his shoes in nearly every port he’s visited. He approaches life with boundless optimism—always seeing the good in each day and taking joy in helping others.