Based on the tranquil island of Gozo, the Agius Group of Companies celebrated 75 years in business last year – a milestone which marks an inspiring journey from a humble distribution venture to a multi-faceted powerhouse spanning retail, development, hospitality, transport, and waste management.

At the helm of this evolution is the third generation in the family business: siblings Joseph, Mark and Maria Agius. Here, I sit down with Maria Agius, Director in charge of the hospitality arm of the Group, to discuss how a family business navigates the complexities of modern expansion while keeping its roots firmly planted in Gozitan soil.

The Group’s trajectory is one of organic growth, born of necessity and ambition. It began in the 1950s with Maria’s grandfather Giuzeppi, who produced a soft drink called Lighthouse and managed the Farsons agency in Gozo. However, the pivotal moment for the current generation came at the turn of the millennium.

“My father Adrian sadly passed away in the year 2000, and my mother had to step in with three kids,” Maria reflects. It was a baptism of fire that forged a strong family unit. As Maria and her brothers came of age, they joined the fold, expanding from supermarkets – named Ta’ Dirjanu in their father’s honour – into property, hospitality, and beyond.

“The golden thread of the whole company is ambition, hard work, sticking together as a family, and to keep moving forward,” Maria reveals. “We never set out with a big master plan, but always worked hard together. We’re very open-minded, so if an opportunity comes along and it makes sense for us, we go for it.”

To the observer, a portfolio ranging from industrial recycling to fine dining might seem disjointed, yet Maria describes a strategic synergy that underpins the group’s operations.

“From the outside, even though the factions of the company look different, I believe the key is really in managing a large team,” she explains, affirming that the retail sector served as a training ground for operational discipline, which was then exported to other divisions.

Furthermore, this diversification acts as a shield against economic volatility. “It creates symphony and balance,” Maria notes. “Everyone knows that not all businesses operate smoothly all the time. So, when one business is on the up and another is not doing as well, it creates stability within the group.”

Perhaps the most visible aspect of the Group’s current strategy is its push into high-end hospitality. With the island buzzing about Victoria’s bid for European Capital of Culture in 2031, Agius Group is positioning itself as a leader in the shift from quantity to quality tourism.

Central to this is a partnership with global giant Meliá Hotels, a move Maria describes as aligning perfectly with their vision for a more luxurious Gozo. “I believe that people nowadays look for character and the story behind the property,” she says. “With our islands having such strong history, I think we can offer that.”

This philosophy extends to their Blue Clay collection of dining spots, including Terrazzo Restaurant in Xlendi, and their recent entry into the ride-hailing market with a fleet of 200 cars, aiming to offer a seamless, high-quality journey for visitors.

“We want to give people a different experience,” Maria asserts. “The possibility of bringing Capital of Culture to Gozo will push us more to be the leaders rather than the followers.”

Meanwhile, construction remains a contentious topic in the Maltese islands, yet Maria is adamant that development need not come at the cost of identity. To this end, she says, the Group creates modern living spaces that respect the vernacular, utilising limestone facades to blend with the island’s character.

“We try to keep the identity of the island,” she insists. The focus has shifted towards creating communities with better amenities, such as communal pools and gyms, catering to a market that increasingly values lifestyle over mere square footage.

Simultaneously, the Group has quietly become a key player in sustainability. Through the acquisition of a scrap and recycling business, they have turned waste management from a corporate necessity into a thriving export division.

Perhaps the most intriguing element of the Agius Group’s success, however, is its governance. While family businesses often fracture under the pressure of succession, the Agius siblings have found a natural rhythm.

“We have our own departments,” Maria explains, noting that Mark handles construction, development and infrastructure, Joseph oversees the supermarkets, while she manages hospitality. “We bring different areas of expertise, but then combine as a family. We do interfere sometimes,” she laughs, “but everyone knows they have their own area.”

Looking to the future, the ambition is clear: international expansion. “As a family, we want to expand abroad,” Maria reveals, aiming to export their hospitality and design standards to new markets.

And as Gozo stands on the precipice of change, fueled by new connectivity and cultural aspirations, the Agius Group appears ready to help steer the ship. “It keeps us growing as a family and raising the bar,” Maria concludes. “We’re excited to see what the future holds for us.”