Sean Gravina Raises Concerns Over Rising Costs & Unequal Competition

Chef Sean Gravina has spoken out about challenges facing the catering sector in Malta, calling the situation “very serious.” In a Facebook post, Gravina said he had met with several Maltese business owners and that the message was clear: “Yes, there is income, yes, there is activity, but costs have exploded.”

He said that since COVID, the cost of living has increased drastically, with rent, products, bills and wages all rising.

“It does not make sense to have good turnover on paper when, at the end of the day, profits are completely eaten up by expenses,” Gravina added.

On taxation, Gravina said: “VAT today is too high for the reality of the catering sector. In many other countries they are looking at ways to reduce it or provide relief to help business cash flow. We are not asking for a privilege, we are asking for breathing space. If businesses do not have room to breathe, they cannot continue operating.”

He also raised concerns about unequal tax treatment, saying: “A Maltese owner pays 35 per cent tax, while foreign structures can end up paying around 5 per cent. Today we see a market full of competition where Maltese owners are competing against structures with much lower fiscal burdens.”

Gravina warned that without action, the sector could become “almost entirely dominated by foreigners.” He added: “It is good to have international flavours, but it is crucial to protect and keep Maltese businesses alive. Not for extra protection, but for balance and fairness.”

He concluded: “This is not an attack. This is a call for reflection and action. If we want a strong industry, it must also be sustainable for Maltese people. Now is the moment to create the pressure. SPEAK OUT!”

#MaltaDaily