Catarina Gorgulho, an alumna of CATÓLICA-LISBON, discovered in the humble lupin a deeply nutritious, versatile and surprisingly modern answer to the demands of healthy eating. From that discovery, she founded Tarwi, a brand that has been reshaping the perception of this traditional ingredient by repositioning it as a superfood and reinventing it through simple products focused on its nutritional potential. Tarwi is the featured brand in this week’s episode of Negócios com Impacto, a partnership between CATÓLICA-LISBON and Rádio Renascença.
The origins of Tarwi trace back to 2019, when Catarina, then living in London, was seeking more balanced plant-based nutritional alternatives. On an e-commerce platform, she discovered lupin flakes promoted as a natural source of plant protein. The finding led her to extensive research into the ingredient’s properties. “Lupin is as nutritious as soy, but far more forgotten and undervalued,” she recalls. That realization sparked the ambition to reinvent the ingredient and align it with global trends that favor high-quality plant protein with lower environmental impact and improved digestibility.
The project took shape during the months of the pandemic. Early experiments began in her home kitchen through handcrafted recipes, repeated testing and research into industrial processes. This was followed by engagement with international trade fairs and specialized partners, which helped build a more structured approach. Tarwi was officially launched in 2021 with its first lupin-based snacks, later joined by lupin hummus—an innovation in a market traditionally centered on chickpea-based products.
The brand entered the market gradually, supported by a Portuguese community particularly receptive to the product. “We grew organically, with our own capital, and always reinvested our results,” Catarina explains. Recognition soon followed, with entry into British specialty retailers such as Whole Foods and Planet Organic.
However, it was in Portugal that the brand consolidated its presence and achieved scale. Entering the mass market required months of technological adaptation, namely extending product shelf life. The launch of lupin hummus in 2023 boosted Tarwi’s visibility and opened doors to expanding the product range, which recently entered the Middle Eastern market.
For the founder, CATÓLICA-LISBON played a decisive role in shaping how she works today. Catarina highlights that her academic training provided a solid foundation and a discipline she considers essential. She also notes that the program offered broad preparation across all areas of management—an asset she describes as crucial for navigating the challenges of building and scaling a company.
The full episode is available on Spotify and on the CATÓLICA-LISBON YouTube channel.
Watch all episodes here.