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Glass Cup Manufacturer Cape Verde

Contents hide

1 Part 1: Market Size and Growth

2 Part 2: Leading Companies

2.1 Cabo Verde Glassworks

2.2 EcoVerre Cabo Verde

2.3 Mindelo Art Glass Studio

3 Part 3: Trade Shows and Industry Events

3.1 Feira Internacional de Cabo Verde (FIC)

3.2 Cabo Verde Craft and Design Expo

4 Part 4: Impact of Global Trade Policies

5 Part 5: Conclusion

Part 1: Market Size and Growth

Cape Verde’s glass manufacturing sector is small but steadily evolving, supported by its growing tourism industry, hospitality expansion, and shift toward sustainable consumption. With hotels, cafés, and restaurants thriving across Praia, Mindelo, and Sal Island, demand for durable and eco-friendly glass cups has increased significantly. The country’s commitment to reducing plastic waste has also accelerated the rise of local glass producers and recyclers.

Historically, Cape Verde imported most of its glass products from Portugal, Spain, and China. However, local entrepreneurs have begun investing in artisanal and small-scale manufacturing that focuses on recycling glass bottles into drinkware, tableware, and decorative products. These initiatives not only reduce waste but also create employment and support green tourism.

Government efforts under the “Blue and Green Economy” strategy promote renewable energy, recycling, and creative industries. With its strategic Atlantic location, eco-conscious policies, and vibrant hospitality sector, Cape Verde is positioned to develop a unique, sustainable glass cup manufacturing niche.

Part 2: Leading Companies

Cabo Verde Glassworks

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Cabo Verde Glassworks, established in 2013 in Praia, is the country’s first organized glass recycling and manufacturing company. It began by producing glass bottles for local beverage firms before expanding into glass cup and tableware production for hotels, cafés, and souvenir shops.

Its product line includes tumblers, mugs, and glass jars. The company’s innovation lies in combining recycled glass cullet with solar-assisted furnaces, reducing both emissions and energy costs. Cabo Verde Glassworks collaborates with local municipalities to collect glass waste and operates under the Ministry of Industry’s green enterprise certification. It has been recognized for advancing circular economy practices on the islands.

EcoVerre Cabo Verde

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EcoVerre Cabo Verde, founded in 2017 on Sal Island, focuses on eco-friendly, handmade glass cups and décor items made entirely from recycled materials. The company’s operations are powered largely by renewable energy sources, reflecting the country’s sustainability goals.

EcoVerre produces handmade drinking glasses, jars, and decorative glass bowls for boutique hotels and eco-resorts. Its innovation lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern design, offering limited-edition collections for export. The company partners with local NGOs for environmental education and supports women-led artisan training. It has received the Cabo Verde Sustainable Business Award for green innovation.

Mindelo Art Glass Studio

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Mindelo Art Glass Studio, established in 2018 in S?o Vicente, represents the artistic and cultural side of Cape Verde’s glass industry. The studio produces handcrafted glass cups, art pieces, and souvenir items inspired by island life, music, and maritime heritage.

Its customers include tourists, boutique retailers, and art galleries. Mindelo Art Glass’s innovation lies in using locally collected bottles and natural pigments to create vibrant, ocean-inspired glassware. The studio also conducts workshops and exhibitions promoting sustainable art. It received the National Artisanship Award for creativity and environmental commitment.

Company	Founded	Core Products	Industries	Certifications
Cabo Verde Glassworks	2013	Cups, jars, bottles	Hospitality, Retail	Green Enterprise Certification
EcoVerre Cabo Verde	2017	Recycled cups, décor	Eco-tourism, Retail	Sustainable Business Award
Mindelo Art Glass Studio	2018	Handmade cups, art glass	Tourism, Gift Retail	National Artisanship Award

Part 3: Trade Shows and Industry Events

Feira Internacional de Cabo Verde (FIC)

The Feira Internacional de Cabo Verde (FIC) is the country’s premier business and trade fair, bringing together industries from manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy. Glass cup manufacturers participate to showcase eco-friendly products and build partnerships with investors and retailers.

Held annually in Praia, FIC features exhibitions, sustainability workshops, and international trade forums. Highlights include green innovation awards, product showcases, and investment networking. For companies like Cabo Verde Glassworks and EcoVerre, the event provides opportunities to reach new markets and explore export potential across West Africa and Europe.

Cabo Verde Craft and Design Expo

The Cabo Verde Craft and Design Expo celebrates local artisanship, design, and sustainability. Glass cup manufacturers and artists showcase handmade and recycled glass creations, promoting the island’s creativity and environmental awareness.

Held every December in Mindelo, the event features exhibitions, live demonstrations, and design competitions. Highlights include eco-design awards, artisan training sessions, and cultural performances. It supports local creative industries and strengthens connections between artists, buyers, and tourism professionals.

Event	Date	Location	Highlights
Feira Internacional de Cabo Verde (FIC)	November (annual)	Praia	Green innovation, export networking
Cabo Verde Craft and Design Expo	December (annual)	Mindelo	Handmade glass, eco-design showcases

Part 4: Impact of Global Trade Policies

Cape Verde’s glass cup manufacturing industry benefits from its trade ties through ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and partnerships with the European Union under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative. These frameworks offer tariff-free export access to major markets and encourage sustainable industrial development.

The government’s “Blue and Green Economy” policies promote renewable energy, recycling, and entrepreneurship. Manufacturers adopting solar power and waste reduction technologies receive tax incentives and grants from environmental funds and development agencies. These initiatives are helping build a circular economy and reduce the islands’ reliance on imported products.

Challenges remain in logistics, raw material sourcing, and limited production capacity. However, collaborations with Portuguese and Spanish partners are enabling technology transfer and design innovation. As global consumers increasingly value sustainability and handmade craftsmanship, Cape Verde’s glass producers are finding niche markets for their distinctive, eco-friendly products.

Part 5: Conclusion

Cape Verde’s glass cup manufacturing industry is a strong reflection of the nation’s dedication to sustainability, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Companies such as Cabo Verde Glassworks, EcoVerre Cabo Verde, and Mindelo Art Glass Studio are leading examples of how recycling, craftsmanship, and renewable energy can fuel small-island innovation.

At the same time, the sector faces challenges including limited industrial scale, high transportation costs, and reliance on imported materials. Continued support from the government, regional trade cooperation, and investment in training and technology will be vital for its expansion. With its blend of eco-friendly design, island artistry, and circular economy principles, Cape Verde is emerging as a model for sustainable glass cup manufacturing in the Atlantic region.