75th anniversary celebration concert

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc celebrated its 75th anniversary with a celebration concert for its employees last week. "Through Neptune's Eyes," as the concert was called, was held at the Hilton conference centre.

One of the highlights was an impressive audiovisual presentation, featuring live narration and musical performances. The presentation traced key milestones of the company's history over the past 75 years in the context of Malta's social and economic progress.

The very first Maltese beer, Farsons Pale Ale, was launched by entrepreneur Lewis Victor Farrugia in 1928. Farsons has since grown to become one of the pre-eminent Maltese business groups producing Maltese flagship brands.

In an address, Farsons group chief executive Louis A. Farrugia, son of the founder Lewis Victor Farrugia, thanked the employees and their families for their commitment and loyalty.

He paid a special tribute to "Nini" Miceli-Farrugia, past chairman and managing director, one of whose long-standing contributions to Farsons was the launching of Kinnie.

Referring to the three founding groups, the Simonds, the Sciclunas and the Farrugias, Mr Farrugia said: "The vision and determination of the pioneers of this business inspires us all till this day. Farsons now looks forward to an exciting future as a more diversified group of companies still providing excellent products and services, security to its employees and a continued good return on investment to its shareholders."

Farsons chairman Bryan A. Gera also addressed the employees, saying it was encouraging to witness the confidence and trust that the Maltese public had shown in the company since its first public shares issue in 1948. The Farsons Group, he said, had always been referred to as a model employer. Mr Gera acknowledged the contribution made by all group employees to establish Farsons on such a firm footing.

The evening came to an end with a classical concert, featuring some of Malta's leading young talent, namely: Claire Angele Baluci, The aka Phellas, The Jubal Ensemble, Noel Galea, Miriam Cauchi, Simon Abdilla Joslin, Rosetta de Battista and Janet Vella. Following the concert, the employees were invited to a celebration reception.

Farsons also held a celebration concert for invited guests on Friday.