Joining the company in 2013, as its Financial Controller, Maria Magro took an interest in the wider operation of Carmelo Abela Marketing from the start, as she was drawn towards the dynamic of the family-run firm. Her can-do attitude, and robust yet empathic leadership style soon got her noticed, soon becoming the first non-family CEO of the business.

“In family businesses, such as Carmelo Abela Marketing, things are very tight-knit, and relations are a central part of the entire operation. While we strive to achieve our goals and exceed our clients’ expectations, we also know that our team members are as valuable a resource as the fine goods and products we import and supply,” explains Maria.

Carmelo Abela Marketing was founded in 1932 by, in fact, Carmelo Abela who imported white goods in a tricky inter-war economy. Over the years, the company grew from strength to strength consolidating its position in the market convincingly. Today, with Carmelo’s two sibling grandsons Steve and Pierre Abela as Directors, the company imports a wide range of products, from specialty foods such as cheeses and hams to household necessities, serving both large-scale supermarkets as well as the more specialised catering industry.

An accountant by profession, Maria is proud to achieve the delicate balance, between robust leadership and guaranteeing an environment that is conducive to growth for employees every day. “As an outsider to the family, I am aware that ours is an unusual dynamic in the family-run business world, where leadership typically stays within the family. Yet, over time, we have grown stronger as a team,” she reflects.

“It took a great deal of determination, but it also was merit of the Abelas’ open mind and willingness to embrace change. Today, the company is in a stronger position, as having an outsider at the helm means that certain uncomfortable decisions can be taken with more professional ease in full respect of all circumstances. This mutual trust has helped me feel as though I am part of the family, and it wouldn’t be the first time that I get mistaken for a family member – something I find extremely flattering,” Maria adds.

Family values extend beyond the Abelas and the C-level positions at the company, as it extends throughout the entire workforce. Carmelo Abela employs nearly 100 people, many of whom have worked there for decades.

“Our relationship with our people is personal, and we make it a point to keep this mutual respect alive, even when times get challenging. Some staff members have been with us for as long as 45 years, while the average employee tenure is 10 years—quite the impressive figure in today’s employment landscape.”

As the company grew, it was only natural that it needed to respond to the shifting economic environment by introducing and incorporating elements of corporate structure while making it a point to preserve its family-based culture. Conversely, the company’s approach towards its clients mirrors its employee ethos.

“We import a wide variety of products, mostly from Europe, with Italy being a key partner, though we also source from the U.S., Australia, and Turkey to mention a few. We supply retail outlets such as large-scale supermarkets, as well as the smaller village stores, but also have a very strong relationship with the catering industry. In this last instance, we understand the specifics of their needs going beyond delivering goods, as we strive to offer comprehensive support,” Maria continues.

In fact, Carmelo Abela offers training to catering establishments for new products, and in the case of supply chain disruptions, the company remains loyal to its clients by offering alternative solutions and continuing to provide training for substitutes. For Maria, customer loyalty is essential.

To stay ahead of the curve, Maria and her team regularly attend international trade fairs to keep updated on the latest trends the market has to offer. Their global supplier network, strengthened by years of collaboration, gives them an advantage in securing high-quality products.

“Our mantra is very simple. Our business model rests on three key pillars: employees, suppliers, and clients—each of whom plays an equal and crucial role in the company’s ongoing growth,” Maria adds in her typically jovial manner.

Like any other respectable 21st century corporate player, Carmelo Abela has invested heavily in technology over the past years. “Data analytics has become central to our operations, enabling us to make smarter decisions and helping us stay agile. A recent push to implement a business intelligence tool has provided deeper insights into the market dynamics, ensuring that the company remains competitive.”

And Maria’s leadership has not gone unnoticed, as a few weeks back she was nominated and awarded with two prestigious awards: Best Businesswoman in the Food and Beverage Industry, and Inspiring Achievement in Thought Leadership.

“I couldn’t have achieved this prestigious recognition without the hard work of our team, and most significantly, the support of the Abelas, whom I am honoured to work so closely with,” Maria notes, adding that the awards reflect the collective effort that has driven the company forward.

As Carmelo Abela continues to grow, the fourth generation of Abelas has joined the ranks, as Cain and Keith have brought new energy to the nearly centennial company.  Maria remains committed to maintaining the family spirit that has defined the company.

“Balancing innovation and modern-day tech with tradition, we must remain connected with our employees, clients, and suppliers, ensuring that the personal touch remains at the heart of our operations,” she concludes.