Cruise Passenger data for 2015 shows that passenger traffic to Valletta surged by more than a quarter compared to the previous year. Around 2,225 passengers visited Gozo, and 5,300 spent at least one night on board their berthed cruise liner.
According to the National Statistics Office, EU visitors made up three-quarters of the total traffic, and most of them hailed from Italy, Germany and France. A quarter of the rest were from the US. Cruise passenger traffic for the year stood at 600,156 – a rise of 27.3 per cent over 2014. In all, there were 307 cruise liner calls in 2015, compared to 303 calls in 2014. See full article.
Following successful negotiations, Salvo Grima Group has acquired Vladex B.V., an international trading company based in the Netherlands. Vladex BV is a wholesale food distribution company which is also experienced in catering supplies for humanitarian and military missions.
Vladex BV is based in Middelharnis, about 45 km from the key ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp where it runs a facility of over 10,000 square metres , including a fully-equipped ambient goods warehouse and facilities for frozen and chilled goods. Since its launch in 2001, Vladex BV’s large storage capacity, high standards and central location have ensured the rapid dispatch and delivery of mixed consignments of goods at competitive prices to clients world-wide.
HMS Bulwark returned to Malta for a short port visit on the 28th November, a year on from her last visit. The Royal Navy assault ship has recently completed a four-month deployment to the Gulf and Mediterranean and returned to Malta to recuperate.
Salvo Grima’s Ship Supplies division was entrusted with delivering fresh and frozen food to this vessel during its four day stop over on the island.
The Salvo Grima Group (SGG) recently appointed its new Chief Commercial Officer, Karl Aquilina. The move highlights another key step forward within SGG’s plans for a complete restructure and on-going growth.
“Salvo Grima is a young company that is constantly on the move,” says SGG’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Aquilina. “We give great importance to our core businesses while, in addition, always have two or three projects in development at any one time.
“Now that Karl has been appointed, he will be heavily involved in the Group’s immediate plans, which includes the implementation of three important new businesses and the simultaneous restructuring of our entire operation.”
Mr Karl Aquilina began his career as a sales representative boarding vessels and liaising with captains as part of SGG’s ship supply department, which is the Group’s principal original operation. He progressed through the ranks and, eventually, took charge of other areas of the business, including the company’s logistics sector.
Then, in 2012, Karl was appointed to the Group’s Executive Committee. This provided him with an overview of the entire company and a role in the decision-making process across the whole of SGG.
“I am obviously thrilled to have been appointed CCO and am excited by the challenges ahead,” says Mr Karl Aquilina, who will also be responsible for the local distributorship of British American Tobacco products.
“Having recently co-led the team that successfully launched two new ventures for SGG in Palma de Mallorca, I am acutely aware of the many opportunities open to us and eager to exploit them as much as I can.”
“I also hope to introduce a fresh approach to the management of SGG, and to engage my colleagues across all levels within the company. Most importantly, I am driven to successfully take the Group through this period of transition and onto a bigger and brighter future,” he adds.
The Salvo Grima Group (SG) reached another milestone in its 150-year history, when it recently secured the contract to run four duty free shops within Palma de Mallorca’s thriving Cruise Passenger Terminal.
To achieve this latest success, SG formed joint venture company SGM Retail with experienced Spanish partners, Meditteranea 2000. Together, they out-ranked international competition by presenting a detailed, winning business plan for this project, which earned the confidence of the APB (Autoritat Portuaria de Baleares).
In line with the contract, SGM Retail will run four outlets within the Palma de Mallorca port, spread across three terminals and 300sqm of retail space. Before launching the new shops, each of them will be completely renovated effectively bringing the outlets in-line with the cutting-edge design trends in international retail.
This contract will also further cement SG’s sturdy relationship with leading global duty free distribution company Gebr Heinemann.
“We are, of course, thrilled to be taking on this new project, especially in-light of the traumas in Libya that saw us shut our shops there after the start of the war. This success underlines the fact that we are a strong industry player and gives us more scope for international business in the future, which is exactly the direction that we want to move the company in.” Says Salvo Grima chairman Robert C Aquilina, who is one of the fifth generation of Salvo Grima successors.
“Now, it is certainly a positive move for a Maltese company to secure such a project internationally. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team that was involved in putting the winning proposal together, both in Malta and in Spain.”
“Our synergy with them, as well as our robust relationships with our other partners, has set us in very good stead for the job ahead. This is an exciting move for us and we are thrilled about it. We are very much looking forward to what the future has to bring for Salvo Grima, both in Malta and overseas,” he adds.
Salvo Grima Ship Supply has been responsible for the supplying of the German cruise liner Mein Schiff 1 and 2 for the last three years. Salvo Grima has been supplying these liners with everything from equipment to fresh produce, particularly fresh fish. These German cruise liners of the Tui Cruises group have used Malta as their home port for the last four years.
Early in 2014, the Mein Schiff 3 will be introduced to the fleet, replacing the Mein Schiff 2. This luxury liner can carry 2,500 passengers and includes 11 restaurants, 12 bars and a 25 metre outdoor pool and like its predecessor it will use Malta as its home port from June 29th.
Salvo Grima Ship Supply has recently undertaken a prestigious new supply service with renowned carnival cruise liners P&O Cruises, supplying these luxury liners during their visits to Malta throughout the summer cruise season.
Salvo Grima had been in contact with this company for some time before the start of the 2013 cruise liner season, and an extensive task ensued as Salvo Grima and P&O Cruises worked together to ensure that all of the necessary infrastructure and coordination was in place. A representative from the cruise liner company audited Salvo Grima, made detailed searches and enquiries and ensured that the Group had all of the necessary certifications and was compliant with industry standards.
In September 2013, the first order was placed and Salvo Grima Ship Supply was entrusted to supply a wide range of goods to the P&O Azura as it arrived in Malta. The Azura is one of the largest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, entering service in 2010. This 290 metre ship contains 14 passenger decks and can accommodate up to 1,200 crew members and 3,597 passengers. Presented with a substantial order of supplies, Salvo Grima rose to the challenge of providing an efficient and coordinated express service; sourcing and obtaining the necessary high quality produce both from its local stores and abroad suppliers.
All items were delivered directly on board the ship to the great satisfaction of captains and crew. Salvo Grima was strategically placed and sought to provide the finest quality produce at only a moment’s notice, and the Group’s efforts in this industry ensure that it remains at the forefront of the chandlery industry in Malta.
Salvo Grima is proud to have been chosen as a Preferred Partner in the TuneMalta network. TuneMalta.com is operated by GMM Business Solutions through funds obtained from the European Union under the European Development Fund
Salvo Grima & Sons Ltd is honoured to have been chosen as the suppliers to the Qatari government. General Naser Alkaabi is heading the Qatari mission in Malta providing much needed humanitarian aid to Libya. He is full of praise for Salvo Grima, the company he purchases his supplies from, and says the level of service provided is “highly professional”.
In an operation that spanned over 3 days, Salvo Grima was contracted to offload and store 1,948 tons/3,266 cubic meters of rig equipment at our facilities at the Malta Freeport. The rig equipment consisting of 77 individual pieces of Risers and Pups was brought to Malta by ship from Turkey and will remain in storage for several weeks pending the relocation and rig move from Turkey to the Rigs’ next drilling location. The decision to store the equipment in Malta was based on the excellent facilities as well as the shipping connections to most major ports worldwide.
Furthermore, the storage of the equipment is in a dedicated zone free from customs duties and formalities.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Malcolm Sammut
General Manager – Ship Supply
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Ray joined Salvo Grima Group in 2007 after several years working in the technical procurement sector. He previously held the post of Senior Procurement Officer at ST Microelectronics (Malta) Limited, where he specialised in various aspects of purchasing. Apart from valuable experience in shipping and technical supplies, Ray holds an International Diploma in Purchasing & Resourcing Management (2006), awarded with Distinction and an International Diploma – Stores Management & Stock Control (2007), awarded with Merit.
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.