€1m abattoir upgrade opens door to higher-quality meat products
The investment will create a more efficient system, government says
A €1 million investment in the Public Abattoir will introduce a new, more efficient system that utilises significantly less water and energy, the government announced.
This investment, 60 per cent of which is co-financed by the European Union, was announced during Festa Laħam 2026 on Saturday by Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo and EU Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The new system allows for the processing of significantly larger carcasses, up to 250 kilos, whereas previously the limit was around 120 kilos.
The statement added that this creates new opportunities for Maltese farmers to diversify in their production and create high-quality products such as prosciutto, pancetta, and guanciale.
This news system also improves health and safety conditions at the workplace as it reduces manual intervention.
“The Government is committed to continuing to invest in modern technology and advanced infrastructure to build a more sustainable, efficient and competitive meat sector, which offers new opportunities to Maltese farmers and producers, while continuing to strengthen the country’s economy,” Refalo said.
The Director of the Public Abattoir, Stefan Cachia, noted that this system will continue to improve operational efficiency while raising meat processing standards in Malta.
Months ago, the Public Abattoir also announced that it would begin recycling pig hair and bone waste for it to be used to create stronger and more sustainable concrete.