Magro Brothers will export over 2,000 tons of tomatoes this winter as a result of a substantial investment in modern machinery, said Dr Francis Agius, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment during a visit to the Magro Brothers factory in Xewkija, Gozo.

An aseptic filling machine processes tomatoes during the winter months, and not only in summer.

Malta’s small size is of great advantage since not more than 24 hours pass by since the harvest and until the tomatoes are processed.

“It is of great satisfaction to see companies directly linked with the agricultural sector exporting to three EU members: United Kingdom, Italy and France. This further confirms the government’s belief that Malta is capable of competing in each sector,” said Dr Agius. The ministry will bring foreign experts to help farmers choose the various varieties of tomatoes in demand on the market.

Dr Agius explained that out of the Lm391,575 allocated through the financial aid known as marketing and processing, Magro Brothers utilised a substantial amount to buy the equipment. The aid is 70 per cent financed by the EU, and 30 per cent by the Maltese government.

“Thanks to the financial aid provided by the Maltese government, we are able to import different varieties of tomatoes which improve the colour and consistency while keeping the traditional Maltese product,” said John Magro, managing director of Magro Brothers.