Processors buying up more local tomatoes

Maltese tomato processors will have bought 10.5 million kilos of tomatoes from local farmers by the end of the year, increasing production by three million kilos over 2005.

During a visit to Magro Brothers (Foods) Limited in Xewkija yesterday, Environment Minister George Pullicino said this was a significant increase which had come about thanks to a concerted effort by the government and the private sector to promote and improve the tomato production industry.

The company was processing 30 per cent more tomatoes than last year, said John Magro, managing director of Malta's leading tomato processing company.

Thanks to European Union funds, the company, which exports tomato ketchup, sauces and dessert products to various countries including the Gulf States, North Africa, Commonwealth countries and the European Union, has installed a machine which extracts tomato concentrate which may be stored for 18 months and used for sauces.

Mr Magro told reporters during a tour of his factory that he plans to gradually stop importing the extract as the company increases production to meet its own needs in a few years' time.

Magro Brothers have launched a new outlet called Savina, found adjacent to the factory in Xewkija - a reference to the square in Victoria where the company's premises were located at the turn of the 20th century.

Fond of his new food products designed and packaged for the gift trade business, Mr Magro said the idea is to bring back to life endemic Gozitan and Mediterranean food products, as well as traditional artefacts which "appeal to the senses".