Valhmor, a leading food importer and wholesale company that forms part of Azzopardi Group, confirmed with WhosWho.mt that it has entered into “a representation agreement with Iceland International for the operation of Iceland in Malta”.

Questions were raised about the state of Iceland’s current operations after several stores around the island remained closed in recent weeks, with signs saying ‘Closed for stock take’ affixed to its windows.

At one point, Iceland’s local operations saw it oversee five stores: San Gwann, Mellieha, Qawra, Mosta and Mellieha. A spokesperson for Valhmor has confirmed that the Qawra and Marsascala branches will continue to operate as Iceland stores, with “plans for refurbishment in the near future”.

“The company does not plan on further growth for the time being,” the spokesperson added.

Iceland’s roots are firmly in the UK, the supermarket chain describing itself as the country’s leading frozen food specialists. It was founded in 1970 and has experienced consistent growth, leading to the foundation of Iceland International, representing the brand around the globe and officially is part of the Iceland Foods Group.

Asked whether Brexit and current global supply chain crisis, impacting costs heavily, is proving to be a challenge for Valhmor, the spokesperson confirmed that this has been the case, bringing about “logistical issues” and increased costs.