Ribeiro Sêco Sugarcane Honey Factory

Fábrica Mel-de-Cana Ribeiro Sêco stands on Rua das Maravilhas, west of the centre of Funchal, and describes itself as one of the oldest food companies in Madeira, with more than 135 years of history. It specialises in mel-de-cana, the dark syrup made from Madeiran sugarcane that goes into the island's Christmas and Carnival sweets. The cane is crushed in mills and the juice, called guarapa, is filtered and slowly cooked, following the same recipe as always.

Alongside the classic syrup, the factory makes an organic mel-de-cana from sugarcane grown without synthetic pesticides, using farming methods that protect the soil and biodiversity; the company says both the cane growing and the production are checked and certified by an independent body, and the factory is listed among Madeira's certified organic operators. The syrup contains no additives, colourings or preservatives. The company has also carried out a decarbonisation project, installing photovoltaic panels and replacing a gas-powered forklift with an electric one.

The factory shop sells the classic and organic syrup, the traditional bolo de mel, the spiced biscuits known as broas de mel, jams, chocolates and truffles made with mel-de-cana, and a book of recipes. It is open on weekdays. The factory is a short drive or taxi ride from the centre of Funchal.