8 local business awards won by the Family Sammut group of companies

Jul 22 2022

Companies owned by Family Sammut, including Greens Supermarket, have done exceptionally well at this year’s edition of the Local Business Awards.

These awards pay tribute to and reward the local community’s best businesses – while strengthening the bonds between the local business community, thus helping improve the standards of local businesses.

Held on June 3rd at the InterContinental hotel, the Local Business Awards recognised and rewarded the outstanding standards that companies owned by Family Sammut adhere to – in total winning eight awards.

Joseph Sammut (Greens Supermarket) & Matthew Sammut (Fresh To Go Foods Ltd.)

Greens Supermarket, run by Family Sammut for several years, won three awards: Best Local Seafood Outlet & Supplier of the Year, Best Food Retail Outlet of the Year, and Best Supermarket of the Year. These are certainly high accolades for a family-run business that started out as a small family grocer three decades ago. Over 30 years, this business developed into a second-generation family company operating supermarkets in Swieqi and Gozo, while also soon opening a new, state-of-the-art supermarket in the Central Business District at The Quad, Mrieħel.

The Greenhouse, a novel concept that combines bistro, cafeteria and pizzeria under one roof – won two awards: Best Local Café & Cake Shop of the Year and Best Local Pizza Restaurant of the Year. These are deserving distinctions for an outlet that takes its diners on a delicious journey, courtesy of a menu that makes the best use of fresh and seasonal produce, prepared according to tradition.

Another company owned by Family Sammut, iServe, won two awards, for Most Innovative Project of the Year and the Innovation Award. The company, which is a collaboration with world-leading enterprise Pudu Robotics, specialises in automation within the retail and hospitality sectors, with the aim of bringing innovative technology to Malta through catering robots.

Joseph Sammut, Managing Director of Greens Supermarket, and Matthew Sammut, Managing Director of Fresh To Go Foods Ltd also won the Best Business Leader of the Year award.

The winning companies were presented with certificates and trophies accredited by the European Business Awards, and with the seal of the President of the Republic of Malta.

Congratulations to the Sammut Family for securing the prestigious awards.

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President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19

Jul 22 2022

US President Joe Biden has revealed Thursday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and experiencing mild symptoms. Saying that he will continue to work despite the ordeal, he told millions of Americans that he is doing well.

He also said that he is triple vaccinated and that he really appreciates inquiries and concerns by the public. ‘But I’m doing well, getting a lot of work done. Going to continue to get it done and in the meantime, thanks for your concern and keep the faith. It’s gonna be OK’.

In terms of COVID-19 statistics, the United States registered a whopping 90 million cases, adding 153K over the past 24 hours. It also resisted 1.02 million deaths, adding 548 deaths in the past 24 hours.

When compared to Malta, the island registered a total number of 111,833 cases, with 105,872 having recovered. The death toll has amassed up to 780, with the number of active cases dropping to 4,785.

In Malta, 1.32 million doses of the COVID vaccine were given, with 470k being fully vaccinated, bringing up the percentage total of the population fully vaccinated to 89.5%.

Comparatively, 601M doses were given across the US, with 223 million people having been fully vaccinated. 67.7% of the entire US population is currently fully vaccinated.

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US alleges Malta does not meet minimal standards to eliminate human trafficking

Jul 22 2022

According to a report published by the United State of America’s Department of State, Malta’s government does not meet the required standards to eliminate human trafficking.

According to ‘Aġenzija Appoġġ’, Malta identified 18 cases where there was a potential case of human trafficking of foreign individuals into the country just last year.

This is worrying due to the number being a substantial increase (of around 12) from the previous year. During 2020, a pandemic year, 6 cases had been reported. This was a decrease over 2019 when 11 cases were reported.

The Department of State research analyses what countries are doing globally to fight against this international phenomenon. Malta was deemed as not having reached the minimal standards to eliminate the threat.

A decrease in the number of investigations was also noted as no one was taken to court over trafficking, no one was found guilty of the crime in 2021 and that no monitoring of massage parlours was conducted.

Out of the 18 cases, 16 were women from 13 different countries, the majority being from the Philippines. It was found that some victims have their work contracts changed upon arrival, ending up doing jobs not disclosed in the first agreement.

However, the report does highlight some of the good done by the Maltese government – highlighting the opening of homes for victims of trafficking, a team focused on helping immigrants, as well as the raising of funds to protect such victims.

Read full report here.

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New brand ‘Bajja’ highlights diverse bodies during Malta Fashion Week

Jul 22 2022

Taking to the Malta Fashion Week for their grand debut, new fashion brand ‘Bajja’ was massively praised for highlighting diversity during their turn at the cat walk.

Their emphasis on different body types and women from all walks of life was very well received by both audience and critics.

Creators and siblings Vincienne and Samaria Bezzina have joined forces to share their mutual passion for the fashion industry. Furthermore, their work gives space for all women to be part of this industry and highlight their raw beauty.

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Photo Credits: @maltafashionweek_ @deans.online @stevemuliett