Two IndelB executives, export manager Romano Berardi and the regional export manager for Malta, Enrico Andreoli, were in Malta last month for a two-day familiarisation visit.

IndelB, the refrigeration division of Italian furniture giant Berloni, is mainly responsible for installing mini-bars in hotels and self-catering establishments, producing sophisticated, high quality wine cellars, and marine and truck refrigeration.

Mr Berardi and Mr Andreoli visited Domestica's Berloni showroom in Valley Road, Birkirkara, and a number of outlets where IndelB wine cellars are on display, including the Cleland & Souchet outlet at Portomaso, Rausi Wines and Spirits Distributors in Gzira and the Charles Grech outlet across the road from the Berloni showroom.

The wine cellars are seen as particularly suited for Malta since we have large differences in temperature throughout the year and the wine market is growing at a fast rate around the world, even in the younger age groups, appealing to women and those interested in the culture behind the wine.

IndelB wine cellars are suitable both for the back of house in restaurants and bars or as an aesthetically pleasing display item not just in these commercial establishments but also in the home. There are a number of finishes, including wood and stainless steel. Their silent operating system ensures there is no irritating noise or vibrations, and capacities can vary from 30 bottles to 200 or more.

Each wine cellar has a humidity control feature to conserve the cork and is ventilated to ensure an even distribution of the set temperature all round. There are models for red and white wines, with single or dual temperature zones, depending on the capacity.

"IndelB wine cellars can be a fashion product and we want to team up with people who appreciate the value of preserving their wine in an optimal environment," Mr Berardi said. "There is no thermal shock for the wine when you switch on the unit for the first time and it takes 24 hours for the set temperature to be reached."

IndelB makes some 140,000 fridges a year and has also just started making a new line of coffee machines that can either be integrated into Berloni's range of kitchen units or placed on the counter top.

Mr Andreoli, who is also responsible for Tunisia, Greece and Cyprus, sees a lot of potential in the Malta market but wants to build business relationships slowly and steadily to ensure there is optimum service to the client.