Agius Saliba’s petition was approved by all groups in the European Parliament, the Labour Party said in a statement Thursday.

Agius Saliba embarked on the campaign to put pressure on European institutions after conducting a fact-finding mission in which he caught wind of abusive and potentially illegal practices by key players in the sector.

Food prices have risen significantly in recent years, the PL said in its statement.  Whilst the increase was driven by external shocks such as COVID, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and bottlenecks in the supply chain, the inflation seen in Malta goes beyond what was observed elsewhere.  The inflation rate of food prices amounted to 10% in Malta in December whereas the EU average amounted to 6%.

Malta’s geographic realities as a small island with a limited market share coupled with long-standing supply chains, practices and traditions make it ripe for the formation of de-facto monopolies.  The abuse of a dominant position to manipulate the market is a violation of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, also known as the Antitrust rules, and the European Commission is empowered to investigate violations and issue fines.

Agius Saliba hailed Parliament’s endorsement of his mission to ensure that key market players are held accountable and charted the way ahead.  The Labour MEP said: “Parliament’s decision is the first tangible step in this struggle.  I will continue following this matter, including in the forthcoming legislature, to ensure that the European Commission delivers on its mandate to work in the best interests of all Maltese consumers, not least the most vulnerable amongst us.  Food retail prices impact all consumers equally irrespective of their spending power.” 

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41% of the total investment derives from EU funds, it was said.

During a press conference, Energy minister Miriam Dalli said that the aim of this plan is to increase the country’s water supply, whilst improving quality and keeping the economic plan in mind.

The comprehensive plan will address challenges from 2023-2033 such as water scarcity, climate change, and the need for efficient drainage management, said the Minister.

The plan will also establish a strategic framework for investment in water production and distribution, as well as wastewater treatment, with the aim of meeting the increasing demand for this resource from the population.

Approved by the Cabinet, some of the projects in the plan include the regeneration of the water network, the renovation of several reservoirs, the upgrading of several reverse osmosis plants, the treatment of drainage and the introduction of micro tunnelling, amongst others.

Amongst other set goals for the plan, there is a target to increase new water production to 109 cubic kilometre per three days, from the current 75 cubic kilometre, and the harmonisation of water quality.

The minister said that despite tap water being treated and in line with EU regulations of which standards make the water potable, there is still a problem with how it tastes in several localities. She said that the further a household is from a reverse osmosis the worse the water quality is.

In efforts to address this, Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia explained that the plan is to mix every water source in the Ta Qali water reservoir before it is redistributed to households.

“In compliance with EU regulations, the new national investment plan strengthens our water infrastructure and paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable water management system, with more environmental benefits. This is a commitment to the health, environment, and the well-being of future generations of our country,” said Dalli.

Cilia said that the Corporation is at a crucial moment in the management of water resources. “This plan is a proactive demonstration of our dedication to ensuring the highest standards of water quality and service. Our emphasis on technology and innovation will lead us to unprecedented levels of efficiency and sustainability.”

The 10-year plan ensures Malta’s alignment with European standards in water management and promotes the concept of a circular economy by encouraging resource recovery and the reuse of reclaimed water. With the support of the Ministry, the Corporation secured €126 million in EU funds to finance part of this plan.

The year 2023 was a significant year for the Water Services Corporation, marked by a series of record achievements that highlight its central role in the management and sustainability of Malta’s water resources, it was said. These include a record reduction in Non-Revenue Water (water produced but lost before reaching the consumer), year after year, with a further reduction of 3.5% compared to the previous record year. Network efficiency has now reached 72.7%, up from 52% in 2011. There was also a record reduction in water leakage, with an Infrastructure Leakage Index of only 9.5% of water production compared to 13% in 2013. There was also a record resolution and payment of cases of excessive water use, reducing them to less than 100 cases. They also said that there was a record production of 36.7 million cubic meters of water, the highest in the last 20 years, to meet the growing demands of the economy and the tourism sector. In addition, there was also a record supply of 1.6 million cubic meters of new water to the agricultural community, and there were unprecedented low levels of chlorine in water, with a 30% reduction in 2023, they said.

The post Water Services Corporation announces €310 million investment plan for the next 10 years first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This is the second time that the price of milk products is increasing this year. Last June, MDP had increased the price of its products for the same reasons.

But, whereas the price increase in June had been minimal, this time the price has gone up by sharper proportions – by 15c for one litre cartons of whole milk, milk 2.5% fat, skimmed milk and lactose free milk.

Over the past five years, Malta Dairy Products said it has been dedicated to maintaining stable prices for its fresh milk products despite facing escalating costs in supplies, raw materials, and services. This commitment was made amidst challenges posed by economic fluctuations, as the company absorbed mounting expenses to prevent their direct impact on the selling price.

However, despite implementing various cost-saving measures, such as streamlining operations and optimising production processes, the significant increase in input costs has not been fully offset. The sustained rise in production and operational costs has reached an unsustainable point for the company’s operations. After careful consideration, Malta Dairy Products finds it imperative to adjust prices accordingly to ensure the Company’s sustainability while securing a favourable future for local farmers and its workers.

A company spokeperson said: “While it’s never an easy decision to adjust prices, it has become essential for us to maintain competitiveness and sustain the quality standards that our customers have come to expect. We sincerely appreciate the understanding and continued loyalty of our customers during this transition. Their support has been invaluable as we navigate these tough challenges.”

The adjustment in prices of fresh milk will be as follows:

* Malta Dairy Products Ltd. recommends a consumer price for all its products. It is up to every retail outlet to decide on the selling price of its products.

Malta Dairy Products remains committed to providing high-quality, locally sourced, and pasteurized milk products that meet stringent quality standards. The forthcoming price adjustment will enable the Company to continue delivering on this commitment while ensuring the viability of its operations.

Further information can be found on Malta Dairy Products website’s Frequently Asked Questions section or by contacting Customer Care Team at +356 2122 4472.

The post Price of whole milk, other dairy products to rise again from 22 December first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The sectors most commonly associated with Black Friday, such as electronics, appliances etc. reported the best results on Black Friday, with most of them promoting offers throughout the month of November.

However Black Friday’s performance also depends on locations, as some locations were affected badly, especially those localities with large infrastructure projects still going in full swing such as Mosta.

Friday’s weather was another factor which impacted customer footfall and sales in certain localities, while shopping malls across Malta & Gozo reported positive results throughout the day, with strong attendance from early hours.

Noteworthy is also that offers extended over the month of November worked positively both for customers and businesses.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs noted that Black Friday has once again shown that it’s one of the most important periods for business throughout the year.

The post Shop owners report ‘mixed bag’ of sales for Black Friday first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The annual census conducted amongst entities operating in the local aquaculture and tuna farming industry revealed that, during 2022, the total output generated by this economic activity grew by €92.4 million or 40.7 per cent over that recorded in 2021 to a figure of €319.4 million. Additionally, the intermediate consumption of the industry, which represents the main operating expenses incurred by the same operators, rose by €91.1 million or 61.8 per cent over that recorded a year before to a total of €238.4 million. This led the industry’s gross value added to marginally increase by 1.7 per cent to €81.0 million.

The depreciation of fixed capital of the industry fell slightly by €0.2 million or 4.8 per cent to a total of €4.9 million; while the total outlays disbursed on the wages and salaries paid to their employees edged upwards by €1.0 million or 9.9 per cent to €11.7 million. Upon subtracting the expenses from its revenues, the industry is calculated to have attained a net operating surplus of €64.4 million.

In terms of weight, the total sales of farmed fish increased by 1.6 million kilogrammes or 10.0 per cent over that achieved in 2021. Indeed, this increase was the result of an increase in the volume of farmed tuna of 2.3 million kilogrammes that completely offset a fall of 0.6 million kilogrammes of farmed closed cycle fish species. As a result, when compared to the previous year, the total sales value of farmed fish rose by €110.2 million or 52.4 per cent to a figure of €320.4 million.

As regards the expenditure costs borne by the industry, it resulted that the purchasing of live tuna and other fish for farming purposes increased significantly by €66.7 million or 103.8 per cent to a total of €130.9 million. In fact, when compared to a share of 43.6 per cent registered in 2021, the latter expense accounted for 54.9 per cent of the entire intermediate consumption incurred by the industry in 2022. Moreover, the industry’s variable production costs, selling costs and overheads increased by 26.3 per cent, 15.8 per cent and 43.4 per cent respectively.

The post Farmed fish produce up 40% in 2022 – NSO first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This would result in a dramatic impact on the increase in transport emissions in the EU, thus impeding the EU in its long-term goals of achieving a 90 percent reduction in transport emissions and climate-neutrality by 2050. Road transport operators had warned EU legislators that most vehicles required to return to their Member State of establishment would travel empty, which would result in unnecessary additional traffic on the continent’s road network.

Moreover, this measure is also excessively restrictive and discriminatory against peripherical countries, including island states such as Malta, and will put Maltese road haulage companies at a disadvantage, given that they would be required to board a ferry compared to other operators that would only be required to cross a land border. As a result, this would add disproportionate additional costs to the road transport operators and consequently to business clients and end consumers.

The Malta Chamber thanks the Maltese Government for its efforts in the case before the European Court of Justice and looks forward to a favourable sentence next year. Looking ahead The Malta Chamber reiterates its call for the European Commission to introduce criteria for a ‘Territorial Proofing’ or ‘Insularity Test’ to complement the Competitiveness Check as part of the overall impact assessment process to identify provisions that would negatively impact specific member states for conditions derived by their geographic location. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for impact assessments to take place on significant changes introduced by the EU Council and the European Parliament during the legislative process, which in cases such as the Mobility Package I would have identified the inconsistency of such a provision with the EU Treaties and the overall EU climate policy.

The post The Malta Chamber welcomes Advocate General stand on the EU Mobility Package 1 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Evolve, based in Luqa, took part in the 24th edition of the European Forensic DNA Working Group meeting in St Julian’s.

US-based Promega, which provides solutions for forensic labs in the analysis of DNA samples, and Forensic Access, one of the top forensic science companies in the UK, were among the participants at the three-day seminar.

Members of the Evolve team and a number of customers also attended the event, including forensic scientists from the Malta Police, experts from the University of Malta and staff from the Forensic Pathology Department at Mater Dei Hospital.

Forensic DNA analysis has played a crucial role in the investigation and resolution of thousands of crimes since the late 1980s. 

The meeting provided attendees with an opportunity to network with colleagues in the DNA forensics community as well as learning about the latest technology in the forensic market, including DNA isolation, quantification, DNA profiling for criminal cases and other types of forensic uses.

The seminar, which was addressed by some of the world’s leading forensics experts, also covered areas such as quality control, DNA databases, automation and expert systems.

Evolve Chief Visionary Officer Christopher Busuttil Delbridge said the event served as a good opportunity to catch up in-person with customers and partners and well as establishing new connections.

He added: “Nothing beats a real get-together. The conference programme brought the DNA laboratory of tomorrow to life and allowed us to exchange know-how, experience and ideas.”

The conference, held at the Corinthia St George’s Bay, agreed a number of aims:

• Promote quality management systems and the development of best practices.
• Develop uniform guidelines which members can conform to and achieve.
• Exchange information and expertise.
• Collaborate with regard to the reporting and interpretation of DNA evidence and develop, improve the interpretation of DNA analyses.
• Promote and collaborate with research activities amongst members and together with industry and academic partners.
• Support colleagues by providing education and training.
• Assess the need and create pan-European intelligence/knowledge databases.
• Implement and disseminate newly developed methods.
• Support the organization of collaborative exercises in all aspects of forensic DNA casework, aiming to harmonize procedures within European laboratories.

The post Evolve attends major forensic DNA conference in Malta first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Kiko Milano has collaborated with Disney to launch its new limited edition The Little Mermaid collection: a new summer collection inspired by the Disney live-action film that lands in cinemas this month.

Created to reflect the film’s story of freedom, confidence and empowerment, it offers a treasure trove of products that are made for adventure – long-lasting, water resistant, moisturising on selected formulations – that will call you to discover the depths of the ocean, while summer-proof looks will be ideal for exploring the shore and enjoying everything that the warm weather has to offer.

Disney – The Little Mermaid collection is brought to life in an elegant and desirable packaging that turns each product into a prized beauty trinket: pearl-inspired casing and clam shell designs are guaranteed to hold pride of place on your dresser.

The new collection’s shades are inspired by the stunning colours of the sea, too. Marine blues reference a world of aquatic beauty, while golden sand tones recall the delights of the coastline. Dip into a selection of rich jewel tones fit for a fairytale heroine – pink, and orange and green – they’re all for you.

Available now via www.kikomilano.com and in stores worldwide.

The post Kiko Milano joins forces with Disney to present The Little Mermaid collection first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The Consumer Claims Tribunal deals with cases which relate to disagreements and discrepancies between the consumer and supplier of a product or service which do not exceed the value of €5,000. The original maximum value was €3,500 but was raised to €5,000 in 2021.

With the amendment approved by Parliament, the maximum amount has now been raised further to €10,000, allowing the tribunal to deal with a wider range of claims. Cases end up being dealt with by this tribunal after the attempts of resolving the situation by the Office for Consumer Affairs leave the issue unresolved.

The Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering, and Consumer’s Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli, who brought forward the amendments, stated that with the enactment of the law fulfilled an electoral pledge made by the Labour Party.

The law also enables the introduction of the concept of video conferencing. This introduction should lead to further efficiency in the overall process. The government said consumers will have better opportunities to resolve their cases due to the substantial rise in the maximum amount for claims.

The post Consumer Claims Tribunal can now deal with cases up to €10,000 in value first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Overall, the average of Europeans who admit to having intentionally accessed content via illegal sources in the last 12 months was 14%. The lowest percentage of people to have admitted to accessing pirated content was Finland at 9%.

However, 51% of Maltese people have paid to access from a legal source in the past 12 months, which is above the European average of around 40%.

Although 80% of Europeans say that they prefer to use legal sources to access online content if there is an affordable option, 65% consider it acceptable to use pirated content when content is not available on their subscription.

The study revealed that over 80% of people found it harmful to buy counterfeit products and obtain digital content through illegal sources.

Nevertheless, 31% of Europeans still find it acceptable to purchase fake goods when the price of the original is too high, rising to 50% in the case of young European consumers between the ages of 15-24.

13% of Europeans have also reported having bought counterfeit products intentionally in the last 12 months, with the figure rising to 26% for young people. The country that purchases the most fake items intentionally is Bulgaria with 24% and the least was Finland with 8%.

Having said that, 39% have questioned whether they have bought a counterfeit product, while 52% of young people said the same.

The Executive Director of the EUIPO, Christian Archambeau, said: “Understanding citizens’ perceptions helps to engage in meaningful conversations with consumers and stakeholders alike, as part of our awareness and outreach activities. The latest edition of the IP Perception study provides new relevant insights into the perception of infringement of intellectual property rights and underlines once more the need to support consumer protection. It also confirms positive developments regarding the awareness and availability of digital content from legal sources.”

The post Malta has the highest percentage of people accessing pirated content in Europe first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.