Victoria confectioners’ business honoured
Family’s dedication to traditional baking has become synonymous with the capital city
Portelli Confectionery of Victoria was one of several businesses honoured during a cultural evening held by the local council at It-Tokk to mark Victoria Day.
Victoria mayor Brian Azzopardi presented a commemorative plaque to George and Michael Portelli in recognition of their confectionery’s contribution to the local community over the years and its important role in the town’s commercial and cultural heritage.
Portelli Confectionery was officially established on June 1, 1960, but its story began much earlier. In 1925, Giuseppe Bezzina and his wife Maria opened their first shop, named Royal Confectionery, in St Joseph Street, Victoria. Their bakery was initially located in Vajringa Street before later moving to Sir Michelangelo Refalo Street.
Giuseppe and Maria had six children, including their youngest daughter, Maria. Until Giuseppe’s passing in 1956, three of their children worked alongside him in the family business.
In May 1960, Maria married Tarcisio Portelli, whom she had met while he was working in her father’s bakery. Together, they decided to establish their own confectionery shop in Sir Adrian Dingli Street in Victoria. To support their growing business, they purchased a bakery in Archpriest Saver Cassar Street.
Maria and Tarcisio had five children – Josephine, Frankie, Miriam, George and Michael. Today, four of them continue to work together in the family business. George and Michael manage the bakery, while Frankie and Miriam oversee the confectionery shop.
For over a century, the family’s dedication to traditional baking has become synonymous with Victoria, serving generations of customers and preserving the family legacy.