Beginning of activity with the exclusive production of knives, operating from a mill on the banks of the Ave River, giving rise to the entrepreneurial project.

Establishment of the factory in its own facilities in Caldas das Taipas and market consolidation through the brand “11”, referencing the year of foundation.

Passing of founder Manoel Marques and transition of leadership to Abel and José Marques, marking the start of a new phase focused on investment and the improvement of working conditions.

Creation and registration of the HERDMAR brand (HERDeiros MARques). Beginning of an industrial modernization process driven by production reorganization and the introduction of more advanced machinery, enabling greater scale, efficiency, and quality. This period also marks the start of internationalization, with the first markets in Africa, and the creation of the first logo and catalogue.

Period of strong growth and expansion, marked by portfolio diversification with the launch of stainless-steel kitchen utensils and increased international competitiveness.

First participation in national and international trade fairs, consolidating the brand’s presence at reference events such as CERAMEX, MACEF, and AMBIENTE.

Following the passing of Abel Marques, José Marques assumes full ownership of the company, with the next generation already integrated into the business.

Entry into the European Community market boosts international growth, with a significant increase in foreign demand and sales volume, strengthening the company’s know-how.

Establishment as a public limited company and formal integration of the third generation of the Marques family into management.

Relocation to new, purpose-built industrial facilities with advanced technology. The company is awarded the Gold Medal for Industrial Merit and recognized as a business success case.

Celebration of Herdmar’s centenary, bringing together employees, partners, and friends of the brand.

International recognition of Herdmar’s design, with multiple awards and distinctions in leading competitions such as the iF Design Award, German Design Award, European Product Design Award, Best Decor Award by IFFHS, and Tableware International.

The fourth generation of the Marques family assumes management, reinforcing the ambition to consolidate Herdmar as a global reference. Certification under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

Celebration of the brand’s 110th anniversary, with new international design distinctions — GDA Nominee and Iconic Award winner by the German Design Council — and reinforced commitment to energy sustainability through the installation of a new photovoltaic power plant for self-consumption (UPAC).

Herdmar reinforces its ESG commitment by becoming a Sedex member and achieving Higg FEM (Environmental Module) and Higg FSLM (Social & Labour Module) verifications, promoting increasingly sustainable and responsible business practices.

The Bold collection, designed by Miguel Soeiro, receives the Good Design Award, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum as part of its 75th anniversary celebration. In 2026, the collection earns further international recognition with the Red Dot Award, one of the world's most prestigious design distinctions, reinforcing the excellence and global recognition of Herdmar's design.