Malta Opens First Community Food Coop

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, together with Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, officially inaugurated Malta’s first community food coop.

This historic event marks a significant milestone, not only for the local community but for the entire country, signalling the introduction of an economic model rooted in cooperation, sustainability and solidarity.

The shop offers a wide range of locally produced products from Malta and Gozo, including fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, and more. Every product is carefully selected to support farmers, herders, producers, and small Maltese enterprises.

Minister Anton Refalo stated that the project reflects the government’s vision to bring consumers closer to the food supply chain while embracing the principles of the European Farm to Fork strategy. “The Food Coop is a concrete example of how we can build a more sustainable food system that honours local producers. It has a direct impact on farmers, herders, producers, and consumers, creating a connection between them and demonstrating what can be achieved when the community works together for a common goal,” he said.

Minister Silvio Schembri added, “Cooperatives are an economic model that has been with us for many years and remains one of the most resilient. Through this shop, we see a fair economy model where every euro spent goes back to those who provide the product. I hope this first shop is the first of many.”

Brian Vella, CEO of the Malta Food Agency, said the initiative represents another step toward creating more opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan farmers, herders, and producers to reach consumers.

Daniel Schembri, CEO of Koperattivi Malta, described the opening as a historic moment for the local community, which will now enjoy access to Maltese food at competitive prices. He noted that the cooperative could become one of the largest in Malta, as every adult is eligible to join and benefit from it.

Also present at the opening were Brian Vella, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Food Agency, and Daniel Schembri, Chief Executive Officer of Koperattivi Malta.

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