SUBSCRIBE
RATE
COMMENT
SUBSCRIBE RATE COMMENT
follow on spotify, apple YOUTUBE or AMAZON PODCASTS for auto updates
Podcast Portugal is available to subscibe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts.
Please Subscribe on your favourite provider so we can keep bringing you interesting guests and topics.
You can also listen or download each episode below.
guest line up.
Meet the voices behind the stories — every Friday, we release a new episode featuring inspiring guests from across Portugal and beyond, including artists, chefs, winemakers, musicians, historians, entrepreneurs, locals and expats.
Explore our diverse guest line-up and discover the people shaping Portuguese culture, food, travel, and daily life.
From Training Celebrities to Artisan Gelato: How Gran Sorvete Is Bringing Authentic Ice Cream Craftsmanship to Portugal.
From Training Celebrities to Artisan Gelato: How Gran Sorvete Is Bringing Authentic Ice Cream Craftsmanship to Portugal.
John Beeby’s Journey from Personal Trainer to the Stars to Creating One of Portugal’s Most Distinctive Artisan Gelato Brands.
What does it take to leave being a personal trainer to celebrities and build an artisan food business in Portugal? In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Gran Sorvete founder John Beeby shares the story behind his handcrafted gelato company, the challenges of food entrepreneurship, sourcing quality ingredients, and creating authentic frozen desserts that celebrate flavour, craftsmanship and Portuguese living.
Portugal’s food and beverage sector continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world, many of whom are drawn by the country’s lifestyle, culture and growing appreciation for premium artisan products. Among them is John Beeby, founder of Gran Sorvete, a company dedicated to producing handcrafted gelato and sorbet using carefully selected ingredients and traditional production methods.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, host Justin West sits down with John to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the realities of building a food business in Portugal and the passion that drives the creation of exceptional frozen desserts.
Gran Sorvete was born from a simple belief: quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship produce better food. Rather than relying on mass production techniques, the company focuses on creating authentic gelato and sorbet that prioritise flavour, texture and ingredient integrity. The result is a growing reputation among customers seeking premium artisan alternatives to conventional ice cream products. Based in the Algarve, Gran Sorvete has become known for producing small-batch frozen desserts that celebrate both traditional techniques and local inspiration.
During the conversation, John shares how his professional background led him towards entrepreneurship and why Portugal provided the ideal environment to launch a specialist food business. He discusses the practical challenges of developing recipes, sourcing ingredients, navigating regulations and establishing a brand within a competitive market.
The episode also explores the difference between traditional gelato, sorbet and conventional ice cream. John explains how ingredient selection, production methods and attention to detail influence the final product, creating distinctive flavours and textures that many consumers immediately notice.
A major theme throughout the discussion is craftsmanship. In an age dominated by industrial food production, consumers are increasingly interested in understanding where products come from, how they are made and who is behind them. Gran Sorvete reflects a broader movement towards authenticity, transparency and quality over quantity.
Justin and John also discuss Portugal’s growing food culture and why the country continues to attract entrepreneurs looking to build businesses around premium products, hospitality and culinary experiences. From sourcing ingredients to creating memorable customer experiences, the conversation highlights the opportunities available to those willing to combine passion with persistence.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, food lovers, hospitality professionals and anyone considering launching a business in Portugal, this episode provides valuable insights into building a brand from the ground up while staying true to a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
About John Beeby
John Beeby is the founder of Gran Sorvete, an artisan gelato and sorbet company based in Portugal. Combining entrepreneurial experience with a passion for quality food production, he has built a business focused on handcrafted frozen desserts, carefully selected ingredients and authentic flavour experiences. Through Gran Sorvete, John continues to champion craftsmanship, quality and innovation within Portugal’s growing artisan food sector.
https://www.instagram.com/gransorvete
Listen Now
Listen to the full conversation on Podcast Portugal and discover how one entrepreneur transformed a passion for quality food into a thriving artisan brand in Portugal.
John Beeby’s Journey from Personal Trainer to the Stars to Creating One of Portugal’s Most Distinctive Artisan Gelato Brands.
Portugal’s food and beverage sector continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world, many of whom are drawn by the country’s lifestyle, culture and growing appreciation for premium artisan products. Among them is John Beeby, founder of Gran Sorvete, a company dedicated to producing handcrafted gelato and sorbet using carefully selected ingredients and traditional production methods.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, host Justin West sits down with John to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the realities of building a food business in Portugal and the passion that drives the creation of exceptional frozen desserts.
Gran Sorvete was born from a simple belief: quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship produce better food. Rather than relying on mass production techniques, the company focuses on creating authentic gelato and sorbet that prioritise flavour, texture and ingredient integrity. The result is a growing reputation among customers seeking premium artisan alternatives to conventional ice cream products. Based in the Algarve, Gran Sorvete has become known for producing small-batch frozen desserts that celebrate both traditional techniques and local inspiration.
During the conversation, John shares how his professional background led him towards entrepreneurship and why Portugal provided the ideal environment to launch a specialist food business. He discusses the practical challenges of developing recipes, sourcing ingredients, navigating regulations and establishing a brand within a competitive market.
The episode also explores the difference between traditional gelato, sorbet and conventional ice cream. John explains how ingredient selection, production methods and attention to detail influence the final product, creating distinctive flavours and textures that many consumers immediately notice.
A major theme throughout the discussion is craftsmanship. In an age dominated by industrial food production, consumers are increasingly interested in understanding where products come from, how they are made and who is behind them. Gran Sorvete reflects a broader movement towards authenticity, transparency and quality over quantity.
Justin and John also discuss Portugal’s growing food culture and why the country continues to attract entrepreneurs looking to build businesses around premium products, hospitality and culinary experiences. From sourcing ingredients to creating memorable customer experiences, the conversation highlights the opportunities available to those willing to combine passion with persistence.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, food lovers, hospitality professionals and anyone considering launching a business in Portugal, this episode provides valuable insights into building a brand from the ground up while staying true to a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
About John Beeby
John Beeby is the founder of Gran Sorvete, an artisan gelato and sorbet company based in Portugal. Combining entrepreneurial experience with a passion for quality food production, he has built a business focused on handcrafted frozen desserts, carefully selected ingredients and authentic flavour experiences. Through Gran Sorvete, John continues to champion craftsmanship, quality and innovation within Portugal’s growing artisan food sector.
https://www.instagram.com/gransorvete
Listen Now
Listen to the full conversation on Podcast Portugal hosted by Spotify, Apple & Amazon Podcasts (links above) and discover how one entrepreneur transformed a passion for quality food into a thriving artisan brand in Portugal.