Category: News

Deadline for Applications: Friday 11^th September 2026
Event Date: Sunday, 11th October 2026
Location: Pitkalija Premises, Ta’ Qali
Time: 10:00 – 17:00

The Malta Food Agency is inviting food producers to take part in the Festa Ikel Malti 2025, a celebration of traditional Maltese cuisine and local produce. This event will feature food stalls, live entertainment, and a vibrant showcase of the country’s culinary heritage.
We are seeking food producers who can offer authentic Maltese food items, made from locally produced ingredients and presented in line with the event’s theme.

Food Producers Commitments

Participants will be required to:

• Attend and operate their stall during the entire event, including setup and dismantling, as instructed by the Malta Food Agency.
• Prepare and serve the approved traditional Maltese food item on the day of the event.
• Ensure all food and drink products are locally produced.
• Comply with all food safety, health, hygiene, and VAT regulations.
• Provide their own equipment unless approved by the Agency to use provided items.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and professional workspace.
• Collaborate with the Agency’s communications team for event promotion.
• Provide any required certifications (Food Handling, VAT, trading license).
• Pay a refundable €100 deposit (returned on event day if all terms are met).

Participants will retain 100% of sales revenue from their own products.

What the Agency Provides

• A designated workstation/stall/food space.
• Event marketing and communications.
• Entertainment for patrons.
• Limited equipment (if requested in writing by 11th September 2026).

How to Apply

To express your interest, please email us at [email protected] with your contact details.
We will get back to you with the application form and further instructions.

Note:
Participation is subject to acceptance of the event’s full Terms & Conditions, which will be provided for signing upon selection. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your food and be part of Malta’s biggest celebration of local cuisine!

How can agricultural and food processing by-products become valuable resources instead of being discarded? In this episode, the EXCEL4MED project explores how innovative green technologies are transforming by-products from the food industry into high-value ingredients that support more sustainable and circular food systems.

Representatives from the Malta Food Agency, the University of Malta, and Mgarr Farming discuss the challenges facing the agricultural and food sectors, including climate change, resource efficiency, and the growing demand for sustainable food production. The conversation highlights how the EXCEL4MED project is developing innovative solutions to recover valuable bioactive compounds from fruit by-products, creating new opportunities for farmers, food processors, researchers, and consumers while reducing environmental impact.

Funded by the Horizon Europe Programme, EXCEL4MED brings together partners from Malta, Greece, and France to promote innovation, strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and support the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient Mediterranean food value chain.

Din is-sena, il-Malta Food Agency tagħlaq ħames snin mit-twaqqif tagħha, ħames snin ta’ ħidma, kollaborazzjoni u inizjattivi maħsuba biex isaħħu s-settur tal-ikel f’Malta u Għawdex, filwaqt li dejjem iżommu lill-produttur fiċ-ċentru.

Il-ħidma tagħna bdiet bir-riforma tal-Pitkalija, iżda ma waqfitx hemm. Matul is-snin, irristrutturajna l-Pixkerija u organizzajna mill-ġdid il-Farmers Market, filwaqt li tajna lil kull suq identità distinta li tirrifletti aħjar ir-rwol u l-kontribut tiegħu fis-settur tal-ikel lokali.

Matul dawn is-snin, organizzajna avvenimenti li poġġew il-prodott lokali u n-nies warajh fuq quddiem nett, fosthom Festa Ikel Malti, il-Valletta Local Food Festival flimkien mal-Valletta Cultural Agency, ipparteċipajna b’mod sħiħ fl-AgriFair, u ħafna oħrajn. Permezz ta’ parteċipazzjoni strateġika f’fieri u espożizzjonijiet internazzjonali, komplejna wkoll nagħtu aktar viżibbiltà lill-prodotti Maltin u Għawdxin u noħolqu opportunitajiet biex dawn jilħqu swieq barranin.

Introduċejna pjattaformi diġitali li joffru esperjenza aktar faċli u effiċjenti kemm lill-produtturi tal-ikel kif ukoll lix-xerrejja. Nedejna wkoll il-Business Expansion Pilot Initiative (BEPI), inizjattiva li tgħin lill-produtturi jinvestu f’oqsma varji, sabiex il-prodotti tagħhom ikunu aktar kompetittivi u lesti għas-suq.

Fost il-kisbiet ewlenin insibu wkoll il-ftuħ tal-Pitkalija l-ġdida f’Għawdex, pass importanti biex insaħħu l-infrastruttura u s-servizzi offruti lill-bdiewa u lill-produtturi Għawdxin.

Saħħaħna wkoll is-sħubijiet tagħna ma’ organizzazzjonijiet oħra, fosthom l-Università ta’ Malta, kollaborazzjonijiet li qegħdin ikomplu jagħtu l-frott permezz tar-riċerka, l-innovazzjoni u l-iżvilupp ta’ opportunitajiet ġodda għas-settur. Flimkien ma’ Koperattivi Malta, nedejna wkoll The Food Coop, inizjattiva li tkompli ssaħħaħ il-koperazzjoni u l-opportunitajiet għall-produtturi lokali.

L-impenn tagħna jestendi wkoll għall-ġenerazzjonijiet futuri. Permezz tal-inizjattiva Fish Fridays u l-pubblikazzjoniji Bnin u Attiv, qegħdin inħeġġu lit-tfal japprezzaw l-ikel lokali minn età żgħira u jagħmlu għażliet nutrittivi u tajbin għal saħħithom. Ippubblikajna wkoll il-ktieb Il-Ħalib: Storja, Xjenza u Kultura, li jesplora l-importanza tal-ħalib minn perspettiva storika, xjentifika u kulturali.

Permezz tal-parteċipazzjoni tagħna fi proġetti internazzjonali, fosthom INTERREG u EXCEL4MED, komplejna nġibu flimkien l-għarfien, ir-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni biex noħolqu opportunitajiet ġodda għas-settur tal-ikel lokali.

Fl-istess waqt, bqajna npoġġu s-solidarjetà fil-prattika. Permezz ta’ inizjattivi ta’ donazzjoni tal-ikel, għenna biex ikel tajjeb jasal għand persuni u familji fil-bżonn. Permezz ta’ Żomm! Tarmix, qegħdin inressqu flimkien negozji u għaqdiet sabiex ikel żejjed, li jkun għadu tajjeb għall-konsum, ma jintremiex iżda jingħata skop ġdid. B’hekk, innaqqsu l-ħela tal-ikel filwaqt li ngħinu lill-komunità.

Filwaqt li nħarsu lura b’sens ta’ kburija lejn il-progress li sar matul dawn l-aħħar ħames snin, inkomplu nħarsu ’l quddiem lejn il-futur b’aktar proġetti, aktar innovazzjoni u aktar inizjattivi.

Mill-Food Innovation Hub, li se jgħin lill-produtturi jiżviluppaw il-kreattività tagħhom, joħolqu u jittestjaw il-prodotti sabiex ikunu lesti għas-suq, sal-Farmers Market il-ġdid f’Ta’ Qali, li x-xogħlijiet fuqu se jibdew fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin, u proġetti diġitali oħra, aħna ħerqana għal dak kollu li għad irid jiġi.

Dawn huma biss ftit mill-inizjattivi u l-kisbiet li sawru l-ewwel ħames snin tagħna. Illum, bħal dejjem, il-produttur jibqa’ fiċ-ċentru ta’ dak kollu li nagħmlu.

Ħames snin ta’ progress. Futur mimli innovazzjoni, opportunitajiet u impenn favur l-ikel lokali u l-produtturi li jipprovduhulna.

The Malta Food Agency successfully organised another edition of the Mnarja Fruit and Vegetable Exhibition and Competition, an annual event that celebrates the quality of local agricultural produce and recognises the dedication and hard work of Maltese and Gozitan farmers.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to admire a wide variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables, while the competition highlighted the commitment, excellence, and craftsmanship of local producers. The high standard of the exhibits once again reflected the passion and professionalism of the participating farmers.

The success of this year’s exhibition was made possible through the dedication of the Malta Food Agency’s team, together with the valuable contribution of the judges, participants, and everyone involved in organising the event.

The Malta Food Agency extends its sincere thanks to all participating farmers, the organising team, the judging panel, and the many visitors who attended the exhibition and celebrated the outstanding work of Malta’s agricultural community.

As in previous years, the exhibition’s impact did not end when the event closed. All the fruit and vegetables displayed were donated to voluntary organisations that provide food assistance to families and individuals in need. This initiative ensures that the produce does not go to waste while supporting those who need it most.

The Malta Food Agency would also like to acknowledge the invaluable work carried out by these voluntary organisations. Their dedication, generosity, and commitment to serving the community make a meaningful difference in the lives of many people.

Through initiatives such as this, the Malta Food Agency continues to promote local agriculture and Maltese traditions while reinforcing the values of sustainability, social responsibility, and community solidarity.

Il-Wirja u l-Kompetizzjoni tal-Frott u l-Ħaxix tal-Imnarja 2026 Suċċess

Il-Malta Food Agency organizzat b’suċċess edizzjoni oħra tal-Wirja u l-Kompetizzjoni tal-Frott u l-Ħaxix tal-Imnarja, avveniment annwali li jiċċelebra l-kwalità tal-prodotti lokali u l-ħidma bla waqfien tal-bdiewa Maltin u Għawdxin.

Matul il-wirja, il-pubbliku kellu l-opportunità jammira għażla wiesgħa ta’ frott u ħaxix lokali, filwaqt li l-kompetizzjoni serviet bħala rikonoxximent għall-impenn, id-dedikazzjoni u l-eċċellenza tal-produtturi tagħna. Il-livell għoli tal-esebiti kien xhieda tal-passjoni u l-professjonalità tal-bdiewa li ħadu sehem.

Is-suċċess ta’ din l-edizzjoni kien possibbli grazzi għall-ħidma koordinata ta’ tim dedikat ta’ ħaddiema u uffiċjali tal-Malta Food Agency, kif ukoll il-kontribut tal-ġurija, il-parteċipanti u dawk kollha li taw is-sehem tagħhom fl-organizzazzjoni tal-avveniment.

Il-Malta Food Agency tixtieq tirringrazzja lill-bdiewa kollha li pparteċipaw, lit-tim organizzattiv, lill-ġurija u lill-pubbliku li attenda u ta valur lil dan l-avveniment li jkompli jsaħħaħ l-apprezzament lejn is-settur agrikolu Malti.

Bħal kull sena, il-wirja ma ntemmitx mal-għeluq tal-avveniment. Il-frott u l-ħaxix kollu esebit ingħata lil għaqdiet volontarji li jaħdmu kuljum biex jipprovdu għajnuna alimentari lil familji u persuni fil-bżonn. Din l-inizjattiva tiżgura li l-prodotti ma jinħlewx u fl-istess ħin joffru għajnuna konkreta lil min l-aktar jeħtieġha.

Il-Malta Food Agency tesprimi l-apprezzament tagħha lejn dawn l-organizzazzjonijiet għall-ħidma imprezzabbli tagħhom fil-komunità. Id-dedikazzjoni, il-ġenerożità u l-impenn tagħhom jagħmlu differenza reali fil-ħajja ta’ ħafna nies.

Permezz ta’ inizjattivi bħal dawn, il-Malta Food Agency tkompli tippromwovi l-produzzjoni agrikola lokali u t-tradizzjonijiet Maltin, flimkien mal-valuri tas-solidarjetà, is-sostenibbiltà u r-responsabbiltà soċjali.

Collaboration, generosity, and community spirit were at the heart of another successful Food Donation Day organised by the Malta Food Agency together with the HSBC Malta Foundation through the Żomm! Tarmix platform.

The event brought together local businesses, schools, and dedicated volunteers, all working towards a common goal: ensuring that quality food reaches people who can benefit from it rather than going to waste.

A special word of thanks goes to Strand Palace Agencies Ltd., Carmelo Abela, and Francis Busuttil & Sons Marketing Ltd., whose contributions helped make this initiative possible. Their support demonstrates the important role that businesses can play in creating positive social impact within our communities.

The enthusiasm shown by the students of Mater Boni Consilii School in Tarxien and Valletta Primary School was equally inspiring. Through their participation, students gained first-hand experience of the value of solidarity, responsible consumption, and helping others through practical action.

The Malta Food Agency would also like to express its appreciation to the staff of the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Malta Food Agency, whose commitment, coordination, and teamwork ensured the successful delivery of the event.

Every food donation collected represents a collective effort by individuals and organisations who believe in making a difference. Initiatives such as these continue to highlight the positive impact that can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.

Through Żomm! Tarmix, the Malta Food Agency remains dedicated to encouraging food redistribution, reducing unnecessary waste, and building stronger connections between businesses, schools, voluntary organisations, and the wider community.

www.tarmix.gov.mt

Il-Malta Food Agency ħabbret il-proġett il-ġdid tal-Farmers Market f’Ta’ Qali, li se joħloq spazju modern u permanenti għall-bejgħ dirett ta’ prodotti lokali mill-produtturi Maltin u Għawdxin.

Il-proġett huwa mfassal biex ikun spazju miftuħ għall-familji, turisti u viżitaturi matul is-sena kollha, filwaqt li jkompli jippromwovi l-prodott lokali u jsaħħaħ il-konnessjoni bejn il-produttur lokali u l-konsumatur.

Il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, qal li “l-Farmers Market il-ġdid f’Ta’ Qali jirrifletti bidla nazzjonali fil-mod kif napprezzaw l-ikel, il-komunità u lill-produtturi Maltin u Għawdxin. Dan il-proġett huwa parti mill-viżjoni fit-tul tagħna li nsaħħu l-identità agrikola ta’ Malta filwaqt li nkomplu ngħaqqdu lin-nies mal-oriġini ta’ dak li jikkunsmaw. Billi noħolqu spazju ġdid fejn il-produtturi, il-familji u l-viżitaturi jiltaqgħu, qegħdin nippromwovu l-fiduċja, u s-sens ta’ kburija fil-prodott lokali. Hu investiment fis-sistemi tal-ikel tal-lum, iżda f’futur aktar reżiljenti u sostenibbli għal Malta.”

Justin John Camilleri, iċ-Chief Business Development Officer tal-Malta Food Agency qal li “l-aġenzija kienet strateġika u tat prijorità lill-Farmers Market biex ġie żviluppat fi pjattaforma mfassla biex ittejjeb l-esperjenza kemm tal-produttur kif ukoll tal-konsumatur. B’infrastruttura moderna u spazji ddedikati, il-bdiewa, is-sajjieda u l-produtturi jistgħu joperaw b’mod aktar effiċjenti u jippreżentaw il-prodotti tagħhom aħjar, filwaqt li l-klijenti jibbenefikaw minn ambjent aktar aċċessibbli. Dan iwassal għal esperjenza aktar diretta u sinifikanti bejn il-produtturi u l-pubbliku, li ttejjeb il-fiduċja u ssaħħaħ il-valur tal-prodott lokali fis-suq.”

The SMART FOOD Project, funded under the INTERREG VI-A Italy–Malta Programme, aims to support and strengthen agri-food enterprises through the use of innovative digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain solutions, and advanced traceability systems. The project focuses on improving sustainability, cooperation, and competitiveness within the agri-food sector across Malta and Sicily.

As part of the project, agri-food enterprises are invited to participate in pilot testing activities under the SMART FOOD digital platform. Participating businesses will have the opportunity to test innovative digital services, contribute feedback, and collaborate with other operators within the supply chain.

For more information regarding the SMART FOOD Project and to access the application form, please click on the attached PDF file.

For any further information or assistance, kindly contact: [email protected]

The final deadline for receipt of the Expression of Interest application is 11 June 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Please note that, in the case of postal delivery, the postmark date shall not constitute proof of timely submission.

Click here for Document

The establishment of a new Pitkalija in Gozo represents a significant investment in the future of the island’s agricultural sector and local economy. This initiative aims to strengthen agricultural commerce within Gozo by creating a dedicated marketplace that supports local farmers, improves access to fresh produce, and promotes sustainable development.

For many years, Gozitan farmers have faced challenges following the closure of the previous market, forcing them to transport their produce to Malta for distribution and sale. This process created additional costs, logistical difficulties, and unnecessary strain on farming operations. The new Pitkalija seeks to address these challenges by providing farmers with a reliable and accessible platform within their own community.

By establishing a local agricultural marketplace, the project will enhance the efficiency of produce distribution while reinforcing the importance of local food production. Farmers will benefit from improved market access and greater operational independence, allowing them to focus more effectively on productivity and quality. At the same time, consumers in Gozo will gain increased access to fresh, locally grown products, encouraging healthier consumption habits and stronger support for local agriculture.

The project is also expected to contribute positively to the wider Gozitan economy.

The opening of the Pitkalija will create employment opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, transportation, and market operations. In addition, it will help sustain rural livelihoods and preserve traditional farming practices that form an important part of Gozo’s cultural identity.

Sustainability is a central aspect of the initiative. By reducing the need for inter-island transportation, the project promotes shorter supply chains and lowers environmental impact. Improved handling and distribution systems will also help minimise food waste and ensure that fresh produce reaches consumers in optimal condition. Furthermore, strengthening local production and distribution networks contributes to greater food security for the island.

The Malta Food Agency has launched the Business Expansion Pilot Initiative (BEPI), a strategic programme designed to support Maltese agri-food producers in strengthening their presence within the local market.

BEPI aims to facilitate access to structured market channels, including retail, the hospitality sector (HoReCa), and online platforms. These channels represent key opportunities for local businesses to expand, scale operations, and reach a wider customer base.

Through this initiative, eligible businesses can benefit from co-financing of up to 70% for targeted investments that enhance market readiness. The support is intended to help producers overcome common barriers to market entry and growth, enabling them to compete more effectively in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

Eligible investments include:

• Branding and rebranding
• Packaging design and development
• Product labelling and regulatory compliance
• Digital systems and online sales platforms

By addressing these critical areas, BEPI contributes to improving the overall competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability of Malta’s agri-food sector.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to create new growth opportunities for local producers and to strengthen the visibility and accessibility of Maltese products across the domestic market.

For more information and application details, visit https://foodagency.mt/initiatives/

The ‘Fish Fridays’ initiative will officially launch on 24 April, with a pilot programme being implemented across four primary schools in Marsaxlokk, Ħal Għaxaq, Msida, and San Ġwann.

This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles among children while supporting key local industries and preserving Malta’s culinary heritage.

Over a four-week period, participating students will be provided with fish-based meals at no cost, subject to parental consent. In parallel, students will take part in structured educational sessions led by qualified nutritionists and culinary professionals. These sessions are designed to increase awareness of balanced diets, highlight the nutritional benefits of fish, and encourage the development of healthier eating habits from an early age.

The pilot programme aims to assess the impact of integrating nutritious, locally sourced food into school meal plans, while also offering an engaging and educational experience for students. By introducing children to a wider variety of flavours and promoting informed food choices, the initiative seeks to foster long-term positive behavioural change.

In addition to its health-focused objectives, ‘Fish Fridays’ also serves to support Malta’s local fishing sector by encouraging the consumption of fresh, locally sourced fish. At the same time, it reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting traditional Maltese cuisine in a manner that is both accessible and relevant to younger generations.

‘Fish Fridays’ represents a practical and forward-looking measure, contributing to the overall wellbeing of children while strengthening connections between education, health, and local industry.