The Vista Alegre porcelain factory was founded in 1824, in Ílhavo, part of the Aveiro district (near the sea, in central Portugal). The company was the product of the heart and mind of a 19th century Portuguese entrepreneur and visionary, João Ferreira Pinto Basto. Throughout its history, the Vista Alegre brand has been closely linked to the cultural life of Portugal, though it has maintained a high level of international renown as well, exporting its products to more than 60 countries. Vista Alegre produces nearly 15 million pieces a year - from decorative porcelain, dinnerware and crystal pieces to barware and domestic hospitality collections, which are used in some of Europe's finest hotels and restaurants.

Vista Alegre products are used officially by the President of the Portuguese Republic, the White House, several Royal Houses and many notable dignitaries from around the world, including Queen Elizabeth II of England, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The company also provides the official tableware for various embassies, including Brazil, Spain, Morocco and other public and private national and international institutions.

The company harmoniously combines tradition with modernity, and continues to be associated with the highest standards of elegance and functionality. Developing products with designers of world renown, Vista Alegre has collaborated with artists such as Sam Baron, Christian Ghion, Carsten Gollnick, Brunno Jahara, Bartek Mejor, Karim Rashid, and Joana Vasconcelos, among others.

Vista Alegre owes its global success as much to creativity as it does to technical expertise and craftsmanship. Most of its products are hand-painted by master artisans and are strictly supervised throughout the numerous phases of the product manufacturing process.

Vista Alegre is also one of the few companies, worldwide, to produce 30% handmade crystal. Recognized globally for its exceptional quality, the company owns more than 2,000 molds and manufactures over 9 million tons of crystal per day. Additionally, its glass division produces about 2 million colored tableware and giftware pieces per year.

Lastly, Vista Alegre cutlery is made from the finest quality 18/10 stainless glass steel, with an expertly applied glossy mirror finish that perfectly blends technology with fine craftsmanship.