Farsons 'the flagship' of local industry

Opposition leader Alfred Sant yesterday visited the Farsons Brewery and was briefed by Farsons Group chief executive Louis A. Farrugia about the company's Lm14 million investment in new facilities.

These include a new packaging hall for soft drinks, a new distribution centre and a new brew house, to be completed by the end of 2010.

Accompanying Dr Sant, who toured the brewery and the site where construction is well underway, were Labour deputy leader Charles Mangion, MLP general secretary Jason Micallef and MP Chris Agius.

Mr Farrugia said Dr Sant's presence was a sign of support for the initiatives being taken by the company.

"Through this investment, the group aims to improve efficiency, continue improving the quality of our product and to prepare for the complete liberalisation of the soft drinks market in 2008.

"We have always ensured that our company is adequately equipped with the latest technology to be able to offer in an efficient manner the best quality products," said Mr Farrugia.

Today, Farsons is a diversified group with a turnover nearing Lm27 million. Fifty-six per cent of the turnover results from manufacturing, that is from the sale of beers, soft drinks, water and juices produced here in Malta. The other part of the turnover is generated from other activities including the sale of wines, spirits, beers and food imported by its subsidiary companies.

Dr Sant said Farsons was the flagship of Maltese industry. It was not only one of the oldest industries but one which had renewed its operations to compete and improve its products.

He also praised the marketing strategy of Farsons. "Marketing implies knowing consumers' needs and making products which satisfy their aspirations," he said, adding that Maltese enterprises should focus on good marketing strategies in order to compete better.

Dr Sant said Farsons also led by example when it came to respecting EU-compliant safety and environmental standards in their projects.