His quality beef is sourced and imported directly for his chain of steakhouses in Bugibba, Bay Street, Paceville and Portomaso. “My preference remains the ‘AAA’ Canadian beef as it is one of the best quality beef products on the market”, Mr Grima said.

This restaurant owner has been facing stiff increases in the price of beef since the beginning of this year, due to a drop in the steers’ population in Canada caused by last year’s drought – a result of global warming. “Only an average of 60 per cent of the usual production was available on the market”, Mr Grima said.

In the meantime, beef stock levels in his restaurants were diminishing and a fresh order for the next two years had to be made. And a decision had to be made quickly in order to avoid the first EU levies which will be imposed on beef imported from non-EU states after 1 May. In view of this, Mr Grima decided to air-freight a delivery of Canadian beef.

Around 3,000 customers per week frequent his steakhouses. “We will continue to keep our promises to our customers by serving them quality beef from Canada. In addition, I plan to spread the additional cost over a period of two years by ensuring I fix my steak prices from now with hardly any increase.”

This decision also averted redundancies among his 120 staff, most of whom are employed in the steakhouses.

“Countries such as Argentina and other EU states like Denmark, Scotland and Ireland also produce quality beef and I am considering importing beef from these countries as well,” Mr Grima continued.

Air Malta’s Cargo System was contracted for the delivery of this private chartered shipment and everyone involved in the operation, including MIA, distinguished themselves in their effectiveness to reach the short-timed deadlines.