Magro Bros in Gozo are diversifying their operations to include a range of new products including traditional Gozo cheeselets.

Managing director John Magro yesterday provided a glimpse of the company�s operations and new products during a visit to the Xewkija plant by Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino and members of the media.

Mr Magro showed the minister the new tomato processing machine that will help boost production and the new range of products under the Savina brand.

This brand, named after the square where the company was originally located, includes fruit conserved in alcohol, Maltese music CDs and DVDs, traditional flip to scented candles and traditionally-collected salt.

The Savina Creativity Centre serves as a hub for artisan activities like lace making and weaving. The new products have been designed and packed for the gift trade business.

Minister Pullicino said that this year a record 10.53 million kilograms of tomatoes were bought from Maltese and Gozitan farmers and the company is expected to process 30 per cent more tomatoes than in 2005.

Thanks to EU and government funding, the company has been able to purchase an aseptic filling machine that will allow them to process 3,000 tonnes of tomatoes.

Mr Magro said this amount of produce was not enough to satisfy the company�s needs for the production of tomato concentrate. However, it expects local production of tomatoes to increase in the future in sufficient quantities so that they will not have to import tomato concentrate.

Mr Pullicino said his ministry has also helped three producers to improve their marketing activities through a Lm65,000 grant. Mr Pullicino said that this year�s tomato yield promised to be one of excellent quality.

He said that a Misco survey showed that 55 per cent of Maltese consumers said that Maltese tomato products are superior to imported ones while 65 per cent said that Maltese products are good value for money. He also encouraged operators to diversify their operations since subsidies alone could not guarantee the market�s sustainability.

Mr Magro said that diversification was one of the company�s strategies and the company was producing a range of products that included a new range of infused oils.

The company is also moving into the dairy sector and early next year Magro Bros will be in a position to provide Gozo cheeselets.