As food markets become increasingly global, consumers today have access to produce from virtually every corner of the world. Yet on a small island like Malta, where imported goods compete alongside locally produced food, businesses that continue to invest in homegrown agriculture play an increasingly important role. Among them is family-owned Smina Poultry Products Ltd, which has grown from a modest operation into one of Malta's leading suppliers of fresh poultry.

“Our company was established back in 1998 by my father and mother, Paul and Josephine, with a mission to provide the local market with fresh, high-quality poultry," explains Joseph Spiteri, Director and General Manager at Smina. “Just as importantly, we've always believed in supporting Maltese and Gozitan poultry farmers. That's something that remains at the core of everything we do.”

While Smina continues to rear its own chickens, meeting the demands of Malta's market requires a wider network. That’s why most of the company's poultry is sourced through long-standing partnerships with Maltese and Gozitan poultry farmers.

“We've worked with many of our farming partners for decades, and those relationships are built on trust,” explains Mr Spiteri. “They allow us to ensure a reliable supply of fresh, locally produced poultry while supporting Maltese farmers and their livelihoods. We're proud to see these businesses continue to grow alongside us because supporting local agriculture has always been part of who we are.”

For Smina, supporting local producers goes hand in hand with maintaining uncompromising quality standards. Central to this is what the company describes as its ‘100 per cent Chicken’ promise, a guarantee that consumers receive exactly what they expect: fresh, locally produced poultry with no added water, hormones or antibiotics.

“There are products on the market that are promoted as natural chicken, but if you look closely at the label you'll often find added water, salt or other ingredients,” says Mr Spiteri. “These are primarily used to increase the product's weight and make it appear larger than it really is. At Smina, we work closely with all our local suppliers to ensure that our products are 100 per cent chicken, that means they are fresh, locally produced, with no added water or unnecessary ingredients. We also ensure that our poultry products are free from antibiotics and hormones. It's a promise we've made to our customers, and one we aim to keep.”

Supporting a nationwide network of local farmers while supplying customers across Malta and Gozo requires far more than strong relationships alone. Behind the scenes, it demands continuous investment in facilities, technology and logistics to ensure fresh poultry reaches customers quickly, efficiently and in peak condition.

Since the beginning, Mr Spiteri notes that Smina has consistently invested in expanding its operations, modernising its production facilities with the latest technology and broadening its product offering to keep pace with growing demand. Today, the company supplies supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, caterers, retailers and food service operators across Malta, while also serving households directly. This extensive operation is supported by a fleet of refrigerated delivery vehicles making daily deliveries across the island, ensuring products arrive fresh and ready for market.

“When you're dealing with fresh food, maintaining the very highest food safety standards is absolutely essential. And that’s true even more so with poultry, which must be handled correctly at every stage of the process,” he says. “It’s something we take extremely seriously. We operate in full compliance with HACCP requirements, and rigorous food safety procedures underpin everything we do.”

These standards extend throughout the entire production process. Daily veterinary inspections form an integral part of operations, while every product is fully traceable from farm to customer. Regular laboratory testing provides an additional layer of quality assurance, ensuring safety across every batch.

“Customers place their trust in us every day, and maintaining that trust is something we never take for granted,” Mr Spiteri adds noting that Smina's portfolio extends well beyond whole chickens, offering everything from chicken breasts, thighs, wings and drumsticks to boneless cuts, mince and chunks, alongside marinated and breaded specialities, stuffed products, frozen lines and eggs.

“A hotel kitchen, a supermarket and a family preparing dinner at home are looking for different products. That's why we've continued to expand our range over the years, while ensuring the right measures are in place to maintain the same quality standards across everything we produce,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Smina is continuing to invest in the future of Malta’s poultry industry. The company is currently undertaking a major investment in a new production line that will introduce a range of further processed chicken products to the local market, reflecting changing consumer preferences for greater convenience without compromising on quality.

“We are evolving and growing, but our commitment remains exactly the same as it was when Smina was founded,” concludes Mr Spiteri. “We'll continue investing in our people, our facilities and our local farming partners, while ensuring that our poultry remains fresh, locally produced and free from antibiotics, hormones and added water. These are standards we have always stood by, and they remain at the heart of the quality we promise our customers.”