Salvo Grima Group CEO addresses Trading with Rwanda Webinar
Our presence in Rwanda presents us with many opportunities both locally and in neighbouring markets.
Karl Aquilina, CEO of Salvo Grima Group, was one of the key speakers at a ‘Trading with Rwanda’ Webinar organized by Trade Malta with the Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda Private Sector Association. The webinar, which was held on 25th March 2021, was attended by over 120 international participants.
During his presentation, Karl spoke about the Group’s experience as a national distributor for consumer goods in Rwanda and noted the measures taken by the Rwandan Government and local authorities to facilitate business and foreign investment in the country. A recording of the webinar is available to watch through the Trade Malta website.
Rwanda is experiencing one of the highest GDP growth trajectories amongst African economies with an internal market of 12 million people and an infrastructural set-up which enables it to act as a hub for a rapidly integrating region. Centrally located, Rwanda is part of the East African Community (EAC) with a market potential of over 132 million people. It is also signatory to the 2018 Kigali African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA) currently being implemented under the auspices of the African Union.
The webinar highlighted opportunities for long-term and sustainable partnerships for business growth at a time when companies are seeking new market opportunities for investment and growth.
Karl Aquilina highlighted efficiency and professionalism as a hallmark quality in his engagement with Rwandan authorities and noted that business is also facilitated by Rwanda’s well-educated work-force which is fluent in English and French.
A recording of the webinar is available here.
Salvo Grima Group CEO Karl Aquilina was interviewed by Who’s Who – Malta’s leading Business Portal this month, focusing on the Group’s recent entry into new international markets, particularly in East Africa.
In the article, published on 13th November, Karl Aquilina stressed the importance of careful market research and establishing strong relationships with partners, collaborators and clients.
The full article can be viewed here: https://whoswho.mt/en/there-are-no-shortcuts-says-salvo-grima-group-ceo-on-expanding-operations-in-africa
Salvo Grima Group launches new distribution operations in Rwanda
Salvo Grima Group of Companies has just been appointed the new National Distributor for British American Tobacco (BAT) responsible for the Republic of Rwanda. BAT is the market leader in the country’s tobacco sector.
On 1st October 2020, Salvo Grima Group successfully launched a fully-fledged distribution system selling directly to wholesalers and retailers throughout Rwanda. Its operations are based within the DP World Logistics Platform in Kigali and are being run in collaboration with logistics partner Anco Millena with a network of nine depots, including four in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali and five others in Muhanga, Huye, Kayonza, Musanze and Rubavu.
“This exciting new project is part of our Group’s strategy to establish itself as a leading distribution company for Fast Moving Consumer Goods on an international level, enabling major global brands to reach new or existing markets more effectively,” said Karl Aquilina, Chief Executive Officer of Salvo Grima Group.
“We would like to thank BAT for placing their trust in us and we would also like to recognise our excellent Distribution team, logistics partner and new staff in Rwanda for setting up this operation within an extremely tight schedule.”
General Manager Donat Nsengayire has been appointed to oversee the Group’s operations in Rwanda, along with a team of 14 full-time staff members.
Salvo Grima Group is currently operating in eight countries – Malta, the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus, Tunisia, Libya, Djibouti and Rwanda – specialising in distribution, travel retail and ship supply. This year marks the Group’s 160th anniversary.
Banner Photo – Salvo Grima CEO Karl Aquilina (centre), General Manager East Africa Clyde Micallef and General Manager Distribution, Keith Spiteri (first and third from left) together with Anco Millena representatives and Salvo Grima team members in Rwanda.
Historical documents on piracy and corsairs in 18th Century Malta are being restored through a sponsorship agreement signed by Salvo Grima Foundation with the Maltese Notarial Archives.
The Salvo Grima Foundation has adopted nine manuscripts that form part of the collection of Corsair documents held at the Notarial Archives in Valletta, Malta.
These documents, each pertaining to a specific vessel and a particular captain, include lists of provisions on board vessels, such as wine, coffee, butter, sugar, and ship-biscuit, and lists of vessel equipment and armaments such as cannoni, trombone a cavalletto, trombone a mano, pistole, and bandoliere. The documents also include Greek and Turkish letters recording goods being traded between Malta and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Salvo Grima Foundation is providing financial support for the conservation treatments required by these documents; including surface cleaning, paper repairs, ink consolidation and flattening, cover repairs, and other necessary interventions.
Navigational logbooks describing conditions out at sea are also found within these types of documents. Signs of scorch marks indicate that these corsair documents were fumigated before getting to harbour.
The captains mentioned in the sponsored documents
The captains mentioned in the sponsored manuscripts are Giorgio Mitrovich, Francesco German, Gaetano Cavasso, Michele Borg, Gaetano Cumbi, Simone Gavaso and Pietro Zelalich.
Pietro Zelalich was born in Kotor, Montenegro, sometime around 1731. Zelalich was an official on an English privateer when he was captured and enslaved by the Ottomans and put to work on board the Corona Ottomana. There were a number of Maltese slaves on board, who convinced Zelalich that the best place for them to escape to was Malta. Thus they mutinied and managed to capture the ship and sail it to Malta. As their ship entered the Grand Harbour, confusion was great with the onlookers. Grand Master Pinto sent four galleys of the Order to discover what the Corona Ottomana was doing in the Christian harbour. News of the successful mutiny astounded the Hospitaller crews and knowledge of this act of bravery soon spread around Malta, making Zelalich and the Maltese crew heroes. Zelalich eventually became a favourite with Grand Master Pinto and led a successful corsairing career thereafter.
Giorgio Mitrovich too originated from Kotor, Montenegro, and settled in Isla in the course of the 1760s. He started his corsairing career in the 1770s and his campaigns yielded great profits to the family. He eventually involved his older sons in corsairing and fathered a generation of corsair captains. He also was grandfather and godfather to the future Maltese patriot Giorgio Mitrovich. Born in 1795, the younger Giorgio Mitrovich was born at the height of his grandfather’s military career.
Information taken from: Liam Gauci, In the Name of the Prince: Maltese Corsairs 1760-1798 (Malta: Heritage Malta, 2016).
During these unprecedented times and the current pandemic we find ourselves in, the Salvo Grima Foundation is digging deeper to continue to support those most in need and offer hope and stability where possible.
Salvo Grima Foundation is pleased to be supporting Foodbank Lifeline Foundation [Click here] through the donation of various food products on a monthly basis, according to their demand and requirement.
It is our vocation to continue supplying our clients and their vessels despite the challenges posed by the current pandemic. We are taking full precautions to protect our clients, suppliers and our team, remote-working, safe-distancing, sanitising our working environments, and ensuring maximum hygiene and quality standards.
The images below show our trucks and loading area being professionally sanitised yesterday evening. Thank you to our excellent team for all their ongoing work!
We would like to reassure all our clients, suppliers and collaborators that we are currently working normally off premises and holding meetings via teleconferencing. We have suspended all duty travel.
Due to recent investment in Cloud technology solutions, our staff are fully equipped to work remotely, so all our operations will continue without interruption.
However, as a precautionary measure due to Corona Virus 19, we regret to inform the public that we will not be able to accept visitors on our premises until further notice.
In order to enter our offices and warehouses, any unscheduled visitors and all staff will be screened for low-grade fever (37.3 degrees Celsius +) and obliged to use hand-sanitiser.
Salvo Grima Group CEO Karl Aquilina features amongst Malta’s most influential business minds in the latest edition of Malta CEOs Magazine 2020.
The theme of his interview centred around the Group’s 160th anniversary and the challenges and opportunities of geographical diversification and agile change.
The full interview can be viewed here: https://issuu.com/contenthousegroup/docs/maltaceos_issue_two_all_final
A team of seven colleagues from across Salvo Grima Group have successfully completed one of Malta’s largest outdoor events on 18th October, braving a set of challenges and obstacles before reaching the finishing line.
Salvo Grima Group sponsored a group of both experienced and novice athletes to take part in the October 2019 edition of the GRID challenge.
Those taking part were Andrew Azzopardi from Number Twelve Fine Wines & Provisions, Steven Gouder, Walter Oosthuizen and Jelle Hoekstra from Vladex BV, Luisa Galea from Salvo Grima Yacht Supply, Wendell Schembri and Sylvana Spiteri from SG Management Services Ltd.
Congratulations and well done to all!
Image credit: Karl Anastasi
Salvo Grima Ship Supply has participated as an exhibitor at IMPA 2019, the annual maritime procurement event held between 10th and 11th September 2019
IMPA London is the world-leading exhibition and conference for maritime purchasing and supply chain professionals.
Every year, over 2,000 key decision makers attend IMPA from over 70 countries to do business, network with old and new partners, and gain key insights into the industry.
Email: shipsupply@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Email: shipsupply@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Email: shipsupply@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Malcolm Sammut, General Manager for the Ship Supplies section, has over twenty years’ experience working in the shipping sector.
Malcolm rejoined the Salvo Grima Group in 2016 after a seven-year period working within the cruise industry in ship management. Malcolm is very customer and quality service oriented and is pivotal in keeping Salvo Grima Ship Supplies well ahead as the local market leader in this sector.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Etienne Grech manages the Salvo Grima Group’s logistics and warehouse staff to ensure that the Group’s logistics centre is running smoothly and that orders are delivered punctually, meeting clients’ strictest requirements.
Etienne previously held the post of Supervisor and, subsequently, Manager in the Logistics Department after fifteen years working with Salvo Grima Freeport Operations. He originally started his career in the Freight Forwarding Department, where he gained valuable experience in customs clearances, warehousing, documentation and logistics coordination.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Ryan Mizzi is responsible for heading the Group’s over-all procurement as well as strategic purchasing from local and foreign suppliers worldwide. Ryan also oversees the Group’s ISO certification and warehousing standards.
Ryan has over nine years’ experience working in the shipping sales and procurement industry in Malta and, more recently, the Netherlands. He joined Salvo Grima in 2007.
Email: jcutajar@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Joseph joined Salvo Grima Group as purchasing executive in 2016 after building up years of experience within the manufacturing industry and financial sector. He previously held the post of purchasing officer at Maltapost plc and holds a Diploma in Management Studies.
Email: shipsupply@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Claudette has several years’ experience in the shipping and Freeport industry and first joined Salvo Grima Group in 1993. She has since held a number of positions across the Group, specialising in purchasing and ship supplies.
Email: shipsupply@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Christine has a professional background in catering and accounts apart from purchasing, which has helped her build practical knowledge of the products requested by clients on a day-to-day basis, both for ships and luxury super-yachts. She first joined Salvo Grima Group in 2010, before specialising in procurement in 2014, and enjoys ensuring that clients obtain good quality and service from their initial request for quotations through to delivery and follow-up. Christine is currently studying for a Diploma in Procurement and Supply and describes herself as positive, outgoing and customer-oriented with a passion for sports and fine art.
Email: shipsupply@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Malcolm Sammut, General Manager for the Ship Supplies section, has over twenty years’ experience working in the shipping sector. Malcolm re-joined the Salvo Grima Group in 2016 after a seven-year period working within the cruise industry in ship management. Malcolm is very customer and quality service oriented and is pivotal in keeping Salvo Grima Ship Supplies well ahead as the local market leader in this sector.
Email: kaquilina@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Mr Karl Aquilina, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cardiff, and has formed part of the Group Executive Management team as Chief Commercial Officer since 2014. He has been instrumental in setting up business ventures in Palma de Mallorca and the Netherlands, as well as strengthening the Group’s super yacht industry services and setting up the Group’s new logistical centre.
Email: cmicallef@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7131
Clyde Micallef is the General Manager responsible for business development in the East African region.
Clyde previously held the posts of Finance Manager, Group Commercial Manager, Senior Manager – Travel Retail and Distribution, and General Manager – Food Wholesale. Clyde originally joined the Group in 1996.
Email: andrew@no12wines.com
Tel: (+356) 7928 8036
Andrew Azzopardi manages No12 Fine Wines and Provisions – An international fine wine provisions company supplying Super-yachts all across the Mediterranean.
Andrew first joined Salvo Grima in a Business Development role. His most recent project is No12 Fine wines and Provisions – An international fine wine provisions company with offices in Mallorca and Malta, but supplying Super-yachts all across the Mediterranean. Andrew has experience in Hospitality, Business Development, Event Management and Marketing.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Karl Anastasi is the I.T. & Projects Manager of the Group responsible for the group’s corporate management information systems. His role involves identifying and implementing new management information systems whilst providing full support to system users across the Group.
Karl also holds the role of the Groups Health & Safety Manager. His core responsibilities include monitoring the health, safety risks and hazards within the workplace; providing advise to employees on how to minimise these and ensure that the Group is legally compliant with all health and safety local legislation.
Karl, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and International Management from the University of Northumbria in Newcastle (2008), joined Salvo Grima Group in 2001 as a Sales and Purchasing Executive before being promoted to Assistant Commercial Manager in 2007 – Travel Retail and Distribution. With the guidance of the Commercial Manager, Karl used to be responsible for the international travel retail and distribution of the Group. He also managed the duty-free distribution of tobacco in Malta and North Africa.
Karl re-joined the Salvo Grima Group in 2016 as the Information System Executive after an eight-year period working within the fashion retail industry. Following a number of years of on the job training and after having successfully attended the PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Certification and the NEBOSH International Generic Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, Karl was promoted as the Group’s I.T, Projects and Health & Safety Manager.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
James Galea Testaferrata runs the Group’s Estate Management department which he was instrumental in setting up. James has been with Salvo Grima over 30 years and has been crucial for much of the Group’s expansion.
James is one of the longest serving employees of the group and has held several sales-related positions in the ship and yacht supply divisions.
Email: kspiteri@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7117
Keith Spiteri has been Salvo Grima Group’s Category Manager for tobacco products since 2015, building on years of experience in international travel retail and distribution. Keith oversees the duty-free distribution of tobacco in Malta and North Africa and handles the local distribution of BAT products in Malta, whilst assisting in Group ventures both locally and abroad.
Keith, who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in International Relations from the University of Malta, joined Salvo Grima Group in 2008 as Administration and Purchasing Assistant before being promoted to Category Executive in 2011.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Greta Xuereb has headed the Group’s Marketing, Research and Human Resources department since July 2016, after seven years working in the UK. She previously held the post of Head of European Contracts at University College London, running a portfolio of over 650 EU funded research projects with a budget of Eur. 350 million.
Greta holds a Master’s Degree in European Politics, Economics and Law from the University of Malta and an APM Project Management Certificate from University College London.
Email: kaquilina@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7558
Karl Aquilina forms part of the sixth generation of the Grima family and has headed the Group since 2016. Karl previously held the post of Group Chief Commercial Officer and has been instrumental in establishing business ventures in Palma de Mallorca and the Netherlands, as well as setting up the Group’s new logistical centre.
Karl holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in business administration from the University of Cardiff, UK. He originally joined Salvo Grima Group in 2003 as a Sales Executive, being promoted to Purchasing Manager in 2005 and subsequently, Senior Manager (Ship Supplies) in 2009. He formed part of the Group Executive Management team as Chief Commercial Officer from 2014 until his promotion to CEO in April 2016.
Email: jzammit@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7116
As Head of Operations specialising in travel retail, Jennifer Sammut Zammit manages the supply of clothing, skincare, makeup, perfumes and cigarettes for our outlets in Malta and Spain. Jennifer is also responsible for the promotion of Salvo Grima’s Travel Retail Services abroad, and handles negotiations with partners, suppliers and associates, constantly expanding and adapting the products offered from the travel retail channel.
Originally from Canada, Jennifer Sammut Zammit joined Salvo Grima Group in 2001 as a personal assistant, before taking up several different roles within the Group. She now manages a busy team of ten sales representatives at several outlets in Malta and overseas.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Alison specialises in the financial aspect of ship supply and yacht provisioning. Alison joined Salvo Grima Group as an accounts clerk in 2003, taking on increasingly senior positions within the Accounts Department before being promoted to Finance Manager. Based on her strong professional performance, Alison was awarded Salvo Grima Group sponsorship to further her studies and she successfully completed her ACCA qualification in 2014. Alison also holds a Professional Certificate in Taxation.
Email: msammut@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7159
Malcolm is the General Manager responsible for Ship Supply. Malcolm oversees a complex operation involving procurement, sales, warehousing, and logistics.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Josianne leads the Group senior management team, heading the Group’s accounting function with particular responsibilities for associate companies.
Josianne has been employed with Salvo Grima Group since 2006 and today is the Group’s financial controller.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Michael Aquilina Clews, Vera’s son was the first of the fifth generation to join the Company closely followed by his cousin Robert Aquilina. Both joined the company as teenagers, and Michael’s early experiences were as part of the ship supply team that was responsible for the chandlery supplies for shell tankers based in Malta. Michael was also part of the team responsible for the supplying of the Royal Fleet Auxilary as they were based in Malta; Salvo Grima provided store supplies for the entire troops and crew for the duration of their journey as they headed to Cyprus for training.
Since then, Michael Aquilina Clews progressed to Group Executive Director, and today still oversees many of the Group’s activities. Michael retired in January 2012 and looks forward to spending his time with his young grandchildren, entrusting the running of the company to the next generation.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Mr Vincent Borg Carbott joined the family firm of Salvo Grima in 1980 as Executive Director, taking over from his wife Ilona (nee Naudi), who was an Executive Director from 1974 until 1980.
Vincent Borg Carbott has been Director on the Board of Salvo Grima Group of Companies since joining the firm in 1980, where he was for many years responsible for Accounts and International Trade. He previously worked as a Manager at Bank of Valletta Ltd (previously National Bank of Malta) from 1967 until 1980, where he specialised in Documentary Credits and Finance of Foreign Trade. During this period, he was also seconded to Midland Bank Ltd in London.
Education:
Tertiary: Malta College of Arts Science and Technology, Msida, Malta: Diploma in Business Studies
Preparatory and Secondary: St. Aloysius College, B’kara, Malta
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Ian Camilleri joined Salvo Grima as Group Financial Controller in 1992, following a 15 year career in accountancy and financial services. He heads a dedicated and professional finance team and his responsibilities extend to all corporate matters including compliance, IT and HR.
In 2009 Ian was appointed to the Board of Directors and is the only non-family member serving Salvo Grima thereon.
Email: info@salvogrima.com.mt
Tel: (+356) 2560 7000
Mr. Robert C. Aquilina joined Salvo Grima back in 1973, before being appointed a Director in 1974. This was followed by his appointment as Managing Director in 1998. Robert C. Aquilina has been the Chairman since 2003 and CEO between 2003 and 2016.
Robert C. Aquilina has also been an Executive Director of: Unipol Holdings Ltd since 2000, Travel Shopping Ltd since 2002, Top Three International Ltd since 2007, Top Three Overseas Ltd since 2007, Travel Stores Ltd since 2008 and Nordic Offshore Services A/S Denmark (NOS) since 2009.
Previously Mr. Robert C. Aquilina has also held the following directorships in Public Interest Entities and a PLC: Chairman Malta Shipyards Ltd 2008 – 2011, Chairman Ricasoli Tank Cleaning Ltd 2011 – 2013, Director Enemalta Corporation 1995 – 1996, Director Malta Resource Authority 2001 – 2004 and Director Valletta Cruise Port 2000 – 2013.
In his capacity as CEO of the Salvo Grima Group, Robert C. Aquilina was a member of: The Malta Chamber of Commerce since 1983, International Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA). He was also a Council member for 10 years and a Senior Vice President for another 5, International Ship Suppliers Association (ISSA), Tax Free World Association (TFWA), Marine Hotel Association (MHA), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA).