Tobacco was introduced to São Miguel in 1815. Initially, it was produced in Furnas, but later, with the decline of the orange cycle, tobacco emerged as a new source of economic hope. One of the major drivers of this new industry was José Bensaúde, who founded the Fábrica de Tabaco Micaelense company in 1866.

Located in São Miguel, in the parish of São José, Fábrica de Tabaco Micaelense produces cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos using tobacco from the finest sources and employing the best and most traditional manufacturing techniques.

It has a stable workforce and a modernized process based on professionalism, seriousness, and competence, which has been repeatedly recognized year after year by all partners.