Salvo Grima History
Origins
Salvatore Grima acquires the British ship chandling firm McDowall & Co after working there for several years. He sets up Salvo Grima & Sons.
1860
The Second Generation
Salvatore Grima remained in office as Managing Director until 1905. He was succeeded by his son, Michael Grima, who remained at the helm until 1935.
1905
Succession
Michael Grima’s son Victor L.Grima takes over the company, subsequently passing it on to his five children: Vida Naudi, Mona Aquilina, Vera Aquilina Clews, Countess Enid Preziosi and JoJo P Grima. Upon his retirement, his daughter Vera Aquilina Clews runs the firm.
1935
The Fifth Generation
Michael Aquilina Clews becomes the first member of the fifth generation to join the company, followed closely by his cousins Ilona Borg-Carbott and Robert Aquilina.
1972
Medina Offshore Services
Salvo Grima Group set up Medina Offshore Services with the purpose of supplying products and services to the oil and gas industry in Libya.
1983
Duty Free
Salvo Grima Group enters the travel retail market with the Malta’s first duty-free outlet at the Valletta Harbour, providing a range of tobaccos, spirits, perfumes, skincare, cosmetics and electronic items.
1984
Tripoli Duty Free
Salvo Grima Group opens the Sabratha shop in the Tripoli International Airport as part of a four-way partnership between Maltese, German and Libyan partners.
1992
Duty Free at Malta International Airport
Salvo Grima Group opens a skincare beauty and cosmetics duty free outlet at the Malta International Airport.
1992
Super Yacht Supplies
Also in this year, Salvo Grima sets up a division to cater exclusively to the needs of Superyachts.
2003
New Premises
Salvo Grima Group changes premises for the first time since Salvatore Grima began using 12, Barriera Wharf, Valletta. The company now operates from 187, Pinto House, Wine pressers Wharf, Marsa.
2003
Travel Retail Outlets open in Spain
Salvo Grima Group opens four duty-free shops in the Palma De Mallorca Cruise Terminals, serving 1.4 million travelers every year.
2014
Acquisition of Vladex BV
Salvo Grima Group acquires Dutch wholesale firm Vladex BV based in Middleharnis, close to Rotterdam and Antwerp.
2015
New CEO for Salvo Grima Group
Salvo Grima Group of Directors appoint Karl Aquilina as Chief Executive Officer in April 2016. Karl is part of the sixth generation of the Grima family.