The Malta Food Agency has partnered with the University of Malta on an innovative project that explores the intersection of food, history, and maritime heritage within the Grand Harbour.
Led by the Department of Tourism Management within the University’s Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy, the initiative seeks to uncover and develop food-related narratives deeply connected to the harbour. While Malta’s culturalstorytelling has traditionally focused on land-based history, this project shifts the spotlight to the Grand Harbour as a dynamic and often overlooked source of historical insight.
The research will delve into compelling episodes from Malta’s past, including the clandestine smuggling of grain under the cover of darkness and the recovery of sunken food supplies during periods of scarcity. These stories illustrate how food has long been tied not only to the land, but also to maritime activity, survival, and resilience.
Through this collaboration, the Malta Food Agency is supporting a fresh and immersive approach to interpreting the Grand Harbour’s history, using food as a powerful lens to better understand place, identity, and heritage.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, with a strong focus on both academic research and practical industry application. Key components of the initiative include data collection from quality tourists, the training of two specialised guides, and the publication of a book compiling these narratives for use within the tourism sector.
By transforming these historical insights into tangible tourism experiences, the project aims to enrich Malta’s cultural offering while contributing to ongoing national investment in the Grand Harbour area.
The Malta Food Agency has once again taken part in the Taormina Food Expo, following a public call for applications through which a number of local producers were selected to exhibit their products at this prestigious event.
The Maltese and Gozitan participation included a wide selection of products, ranging from sweet items to local pork, potatoes, fish, marinated meats, bread, cheeses, olive oil, as well as Maltese wine.
During the Expo, cooking demonstrations were also held by various chefs, including Maltese chefs, who showcased to the public how local products can be used with creativity and new flavours.
Among those present at the event were Anton Refalo, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, as well as Alicia Bugeja Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Animal Rights.
Brian Vella, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Food Agency, stated that this participation reflects the Agency’s continued commitment to strengthen and promote local products on international platforms. “When we bring Maltese producers together under one roof, we create new opportunities for trade, visibility, and collaboration with other markets.”
During the Annual Assembly of CNA Sicilia, Justin John Camilleri, the Chief Business Development Officer of the Malta Food Agency, addressed those present by emphasising how the food sector is an important economic pillar and a strong element within the cultural heritage of both Malta and Italy. He explained how the presence of the Maltese delegation aimed to showcase the quality of Maltese products as well as the capability and dedication of local producers. He concluded his speech by extending his best wishes to Italian cuisine, which has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Please note that as from the 19th of October, the Pitkalija Market will reopen on Sundays for farmers. Sunday Entry of Farmers 08:00 – 10:00 Monday Entry of Gozitan Farmers 01:00 Entry of Maltese Farmers 02:30 Entry of Farmers-Hawkers and Hawkers on foot 04:00 Entry of Hawkers with Vehicles 04:30 Domestic Buyers 07:30 – 12:00 Tuesday Entry of Farmers and Hawkers 06:30 Domestic Buyers 07:30 – 12:00 Wednesday Entry of Farmers 07:00 Entry of Hawkers 09:00 Domestic Buyers 10:00 – 12:00 Thursday Entry of Gozitan Farmers 01:00 Entry of Maltese Farmers 02:30 Entry of Farmers- Hawkers and Hawkers on foot 04:00 Entry of Hawkers with Vehicles 04:30 Domestic Buyers 07:30 – 12:00 Friday Entry of Farmers and Hawkers 06:30 Domestic Buyers 07:30 – 12:00 Saturday Opening of Pitkalija for staff and agents 05:00 Entry of Hawkers 06:00 till 14:00 after this time, the gate will be closed. Entry is only allowed after this time if the agent has sales of products from their stock.
A celebration of Malta’s dairy heritage under the patronage of H.E. the President of Malta
San Anton Palace, 6th October 2025 — The Malta Food Agency launched the publication, IL-Ħalib: Storja, Xjenza u Kultura, during an event held at San Anton Palace under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta.
The book, which delves into the historical, scientific, and cultural journey of milk in Malta, was officially unveiled in the presence of distinguished guests, researchers, and representatives from the agricultural and food sectors.
In her address, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono commended the Malta Food Agency and the team of authors for their extensive and engaging research, noting that the publication captures the rich heritage and evolving story of a product that has nourished generations and shaped local traditions.
The President also expressed her gratitude to the Malta Food Agency for its initiative to donate all proceeds from the sale of the book to the Malta Community Chest Fund, an act she described as a meaningful gesture that ties the nourishment of body and mind to the nourishment of community.
Speaking during the launch, Brian Vella, CEO of the Malta Food Agency, thanked all contributors, researchers, and collaborators who made the project possible. He emphasized the importance of preserving Malta’s agricultural heritage, stating that this book is more than just a historical record as it is a tribute to the people, the practices, and the traditions that shaped our relationship with food. By sharing these stories, we ensure that the knowledge and pride of our past are passed from one generation to the next.
IL-Ħalib: Storja, Xjenza u Kultura is available for purchase from the Malta Food Agency’s Customer Care Office, with all proceeds in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
The publication forms part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to document and celebrate Malta’s rich agricultural and culinary legacy, promoting both sustainability and cultural appreciation within the food sector.
The Malta Food Agency, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, organised an evening of appreciation for Maltese wines on Monday, 29 September 2025, at the Parliament Building in Valletta. The event was intended to celebrate the excellence of local wines and to show appreciation towards the producers who, through their continuous dedication, are strengthening Malta’s reputation in this sector.
The evening brought together distinguished guests, representatives from the wine industry, and stakeholders from the food, tourism, and cultural heritage sectors, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps. The strong attendance was a testament to the growing interest in Maltese wine and its potential as an integral part of the country’s gastronomic and cultural identity.
The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Anġlu Farrugia, opened the wine exhibition in Malta’s Parliament, describing wine as a product as old as civilisation, with origins 8,000 years ago in Georgia and Mesopotamia. He noted its role in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and highlighted Malta’s own history of vine cultivation since Phoenician and Roman times.
He praised the resilience and creativity of Malta’s wine industry, which today reflects the islands’ soil, climate, and culture, while also reaching international markets. Speaker Farrugia said Parliament hosts such events to affirm its role as a home for culture and identity. He concluded that wine is not only agriculture or gastronomy, but also a reflection of humanity’s long journey, shared in friendship and joy.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, stated that this event was an opportunity to show our appreciation towards local wine producers, who with passion and dedication are adding value to our agriculture and gastronomy. This activity further embraces our vision that the food sector, which also incorporates the wine sector, continues to be strengthened as an important economic pillar for our country, while also enhancing Malta’s cultural identity and culinary experience.
The Chief Business Development Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Justin John Camilleri, highlighted the importance of collaboration and unity. While expressing a sense of pride that the Malta Food Agency has reached this stage, he maintained that where there is unity, there is strength. He emphasised that strong belief in this sector led to it being given the importance it deserves, with an event held in the building of the country’s highest institution, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker. He went on to explain how the agency joined forces with the Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta to create a common and unique commitment: that of placing food at the top of the national priorities, since food is an essential part of tourism, culture, history, and the people’s wellbeing. He added that this is only the beginning, and that these partnerships will continue to be strengthened and expanded so that food and local producers are given the recognition they truly deserve.
This initiative demonstrated how Maltese wine is increasingly becoming an integral part of Malta’s cultural and gastronomic identity. The evening also provided an opportunity to strengthen relations between national institutions and wine producers, while highlighting the potential of this sector as a positive force for the local economy and tourism. The Participating wineries were: Emmanuel Delikata Winemaker, Markus Divinus, Marsovin, Meridiana Wine Estate, San Niklaw Estate, Ta’ Betta Wine Estates and Tal-Massar Winery.
The Malta Food Agency and Aquatic Resources Malta have entered into a collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of research, education, and practices relating to aquatic resources and food derived from fisheries.
Through this partnership, both entities will work together on joint initiatives such as research projects, knowledge exchange, and the organisation of seminars and workshops that bring greater awareness to the importance of fisheries and aquaculture. The agreement also paves the way for measurable projects to be developed through dedicated annexes, ensuring concrete outcomes that benefit both industry stakeholders and the public.
The Malta Food Agency will contribute to this collaboration by sharing expertise, assisting with outreach, and promoting knowledge through its channels. Meanwhile, Aquatic Resources Malta will contribute its specialised knowledge of national aquatic resources, provide access to facilities and data, and support the development of initiatives linked to food from fisheries.
Speaking at the signing, Malta Food Agency CEO Brian Vella and Aquatic Resources Malta CEO Francis Fabri highlighted the importance of joint efforts in promoting research and innovation, while creating added value for Malta’s food sector. They also stressed that the agreement opens up new international opportunities for collaboration with European and Mediterranean partners, allowing Malta to position itself as a hub for fisheries and aquaculture innovation.
This agreement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation and underscores the Malta Food Agency’s commitment to research, education, and adding value to Malta’s food systems.
Quote from Brian Vella, CEO of the Malta Food Agency: “This collaboration reflects our strong commitment to supporting Malta’s food systems through innovation and research. By combining our expertise with that of Aquatic Resources Malta, we are ensuring that the sector continues to grow in an informed way, benefitting both consumers and industry players.”
Quote from Francis Fabri, CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta: This is another very important collaboration agreement through which food and aquatic resources should be further promoted, education on consumption should be strengthened, and awareness in favour of protection and sustainability should increase. Ultimately, these will be among the only guarantees for the immediate future. The collaboration between Aquatic Resources Malta and the Malta Food Agency is another important step that should benefit both present and future generations.
Please be advised that, due to the public holiday on Friday, 15th August, the Pitkalija market will operate only on Monday, 11th August, and Tuesday, 12th August, during the usual hours.
On Wednesday 13th, Thursday 14th, and Friday 15th August, the Pitkalija market will be closed.
The Pitkalija market will reopen on Monday, 18th August, according to the usual hours. Thank you,
The Malta Food Agency notifies that applications will be received from those wishing to be considered for the role of permit holders at the Farmers Market in Ta’ Qali and Kottonera from 3rd February 2025 to 3rd March 2025. Copies of the call information document and application may be downloaded from the Malta Food Agency website https://foodagency.mt or collected in person from the Market Regulation Office of the Malta Food Agency in Triq il-Pitkali, Attard. Applications together with the requested documents can be sent via email address [email protected] or delivered in person to the same office between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Sejħa għall-applikazzjonijiet ta’ permess biex jiġu operati posti fil-Farmers Market
Il-Malta Food Agency tgħarraf li se tkun qed tilqa’ applikazzjonijiet minn dawk li jixtiequ jkunu kkunsidrati għall-irwol ta’ detentur ta’ permess ta’ posta fil-Farmers Market f’Ta’ Qali u fil-Kottonera mit-3 ta’ Frar 2025 sat-3 ta’ Marzu 2025. Kopji tad-dokument bl-informazzjoni dwar is-sejħa u l-applikazzjoni jistgħu jitniżżlu mill-websajt tal-Malta Food Agency https://foodagency.mt jew jinġabru personalment mill-Uffiċċju tal-Market Regulation tal-Malta Food Agency fi Triq il-Pitkali, Ħ’Attard. L-applikazzjonijiet flimkien mad-dokumenti mitluba jistgħu jintbagħtu permezz tal-indirizz elettroniku [email protected] jew jinġiebu personalment fl-istess uffiċċju bejn it-8.00 am u 12.00 pm mit-Tnejn sal-Ġimgħa.
The Malta Food Agency participated in the Annual General Assembly of the World Farmers Market Coalition in Rome, marking its first year as a member. The event brought together entities responsible for organizing farmers markets from 60 countries worldwide. Maltese products typically found in local farmers markets were exhibited.
This year’s theme focused on the preservation of food biodiversity and the importance of small local farmers. Participants engaged in various discussions on innovative ideas related to produce, marketing, management, and other aspects that contribute to the improvement of farmers markets. This new international collaboration represents a significant step forward.
The Pitkalija welcomed the young students of the Mediterranean Culinary Academy for a visit, showcasing the journey of fresh produce from arrival to distribution. They delved into the market operations to logistics, developing an appreciation for local farmers. This experience highlighted the importance of sustainability and local sourcing in Mediterranean cuisine.
