The British High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Vincent Fean, paid an official visit to Farsons Brewery at Mriehel. Farsons’ subsidiary companies, Wands Limited and Anthony Caruana & Sons market and distribute in Malta various British products including Famous Grouse, Ballantine’s, Laphraoig, John Smith’s, Newcastle Brown Ale, Strongbow Cider and Lipton Ice Tea.

Mr Fean, who was accompanied during this visit by Mrs Fean, was welcomed by Farsons Group Chief Executive, Mr Louis A Farrugia. He was shown round the Brewery by the Deputy to Chief Executive – Operations, Mr Paul Micallef, and General Manager – Beers Business Unit, Albert Calleja

“As a Cisk drinker myself – in moderation, of course! – it is a pleasure for me to see this modern, hygienic production line and to hear about Farsons’ plans for expansion in Malta.  This is one of the most progressive, forward-thinking companies in these islands, with very clear ideas on how to take advantage of Malta’s EU membership.

I was delighted to learn that Farsons source a lot of their raw materials from the United Kingdom – long may that continue!  I am also glad that the British High Commission was able to work closely with Farsons earlier this year in funding a poster campaign here aimed at young people through SENSE – designed to discourage binge drinking.  It is important that Farsons are showing their commitment to tackling this social phenomenon.  The High Commission also supports the objectives of SENSE 100%!,” said Mr Fean

“Over the years, Farsons has invested tens of million of Liri in its Brewery plant as well as in its operational systems. Malta now has one of the most advanced breweries in southern Europe. This has not only resulted in superior quality products that can be enjoyed by Maltese and tourists alike, but has also helped greatly to improve our efficiency in a highly competitive trading sector,” said Mr Farrugia.

“Farsons has also been able to draw on the excellent analytical, technical and commercial capabilities of its Maltese employees, some of whom have studied and graduated from British universities, to help the Group evolve into a truly competitive Maltese company,” continued Mr Farrugia.

“Farsons remains committed to its ongoing investment programme in order to provide Maltese citizens and tourists with the best products. We are doing this so as to retain our longstanding leading position in those economic sectors in which we operate,” concluded Mr Farrugia.

Mr Fean was shown round the Beer Bottling hall where an investment of over Lm1 million has just been made in upgrading the packaging line, the award winning Process Block which boasts state of the art brewing technology and the non-returnable packaging area.  

Mr Fean also met members of the Group Senior Management in the Company’s Board Room after the Brewery Tour, when he was briefed about the Company’s investment preliminary plans.