WELFARE FUND
ĦADDIEMA FARSONS
You can send an e-mail addressed to me at rosette.thake@farsons.com or the secretary of the committee Charles Briffa at charles briffa@farsons com You may also contact the other members of the committee: Rachel Zammit Soler (CEB), Neil Lofaro (Dispense & Vending), Mark Bartolo (Workshop), Joseph Mifsud (Workshop) and Janet Abela (Front Office) If you would like more information, you may also contact the HR Department. Download the Statute, Membership Form, and Request for Support Form from here
OFF THE RECORD MICHAEL FARRUGIA
Getting to know our new CEO
Every new chapter begins with a conversation.
On 1st July, Michael Farrugia officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Farsons Group, bringing with him more than two decades of experience across the business and a clear vision for the future.
In his first message to employees, Michael spoke about building a company that is Lean, Green and Digital, one that embraces innovation, continuously improves the way we work, and places both employees and customers at the centre of everything we do He also reminded us that " no one has a monopoly on good ideas," reinforcing his belief that the best ideas can come from anyone and anywhere within our organisation.
THE FUTURE OF FARSONS IS LEAN GREEN AND DIGITAL
Beyond the strategy, the leadership, and the vision, we wanted to introduce you to the person behind the title.
So, before we dive into the exciting journey ahead, we invited Michael to step away from the boardroom for a few minutes and answer some quick-fire questions about himself, his interests and what inspires him
No one has a monopoly on good ideas
OFF THE RECORD Getting
What's the first thing you do in the morning?
Most days begin with a gym session
Coffee, tea or something else?
English tea
How well do you sleep at night?
(Rate yourself from 1-10)
Usually around 7 or 8
The days of 9+ are long gone
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I have become much more of an early bird
Outside of work, what's your favourite way to spend a weekend?
Family time, reading and gardening
If you weren't in business, what career would you have chosen?
I would have pursued a career in international relations
What's one thing people are always surprised to learn about you?
That I played rugby for many years and absolutely loved it
What three words would your family use to describe you?
Hard working, caring and witty
(I chose the best ones )
? Beach or Mountains
What's the best piece of advice you ' ve ever received?
Always be firm, but fair.
If you could instantly master one new skill, what would it be?
Play the guitar
Which is your favourite bar or restaurant in Malta?
The Cisk Tap of course!
What meal could you happily eat every week without getting bored?
Sushi.
What's one item you never leave home without?
Phone
Looking ahead, what excites you most about leading Farsons into its next chapter?
Building on our rich legacy and taking our brands international
ONE LAST QUESTION
As we begin this new chapter for Farsons, what's the one message you'd like every employee to take with them?
To collaborate openly, embrace change and always put our customers first
? Cisk or Blue Label I love both. It really depends on the occasion.
? Sweet or Savoury
? Window Seat or Aisle Seat
? Book or Podcast
? Summer or Winter
? Plan Everything or Go with the Flow
? Morning Workout or Evening Walk
QUICK FIRE BONUS
Building Our Future Together By Tonio Mifsud Bonnici, Group Head of HR
This edition of our newsletter marks an important milestone in the Group’s journey as we look ahead to our centenary year While we celebrate the achievements of recent years, it is also an opportune moment to express our sincere gratitude to Norman Aquilina for his outstanding leadership over the past 16 years
We also welcome the next chapter in our journey as Michael Farrugia assumes the role of Group Chief Executive Officer
As we continue to navigate a dynamic business environment I would also like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication, resilience, and commitment Whether you work on the production floor in logistics, behind the wheel in our offices or in the field supporting our operations and customers, your contribution is vital to our collective success
Teamwork & Accountability
Together, we will continue building on our strong foundations as we prepare for the opportunities and milestones that lie ahead Together, we need to continue making our operations smoother and faster so that we can deliver on the promises we make to our customers and stakeholders
Every day, we demonstrate what can be achieved through teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and a relentless focus on quality, safety, and customer service
Safety First
Safety needs to be our highest priority In manufacturing and logistics, every decision we make has an impact on our colleagues our customers, and our communities I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, follow established procedures, and continue looking out for one another A strong safety culture is built through the everyday actions of every employee It needs to become a way of life
Our HR Priorities
As an HR team our priority is to create a workplace where everyone can thrive We are committed to investing in learning and development to strengthen digital capabilities, enhance leadership effectiveness, support employee wellbeing, recognise outstanding performance, and foster an inclusive culture where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed
Looking Ahead
Over the coming months, we will continue introducing initiatives designed to enhance employee development, improve engagement and support career growth across the Group I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities share your ideas, and actively participate in shaping the future of our organisation
As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to working closely with Michael Farrugia to further strengthen our business, invest in our people and brands, improve our processes, and pursue sustainable growth opportunities both locally and internationally
I wish you and your families continued health, happiness, and success Let s all enjoy this year s Beer Festival 10 days of great beer, live music, food, and fun!
Our strength lies in you, our people.
Meet Alistair Haber Chief Technology & Digital Transformation Officer
A few months ago, Alistair Haber returned home to Malta to join Farsons as Chief Technology & Digital Transformation Officer While the role is new, coming home has felt strangely familiar It is the nostalgia, he says Everything feels both old and new at the same time And, if I am honest, I had forgotten what it was like to have sunshine almost every day After years in Canada it is hard to complain when the sky is blue "
There was, however, one thing he genuinely missed while living abroad: Cisk "Believe it or not, getting hold of a Cisk in Canada was an event Whenever I had the chance, I would stop by Nannu's Pastizzi in Mississauga and pick up a few six-packs Now I work about fifty metres from where it is brewed Life has definitely improved, he laughs
Since joining Farsons, Alistair has become immersed in the Group's transformation journey While "digital transformation" can sound like another business buzzword, he believes its purpose is surprisingly simple If technology is doing its job properly most people should barely notice it
Good systems quietly remove friction They simplify the everyday tasks, reduce errors, and give people back the ultimate gift: time
-Time to think
-Time to solve problems
-Time to innovate
-Time to support one another
-Time to focus on what matters most our customers
For Alistair, that is where ‘the art of the possible’ begins "It starts with a simple question: What could we achieve if nothing got in our way? "
Not just for technology but for our people, our teams and our customers
I've always believed that small, consistent improvements outperform occasional heroics Transformation rarely arrives in one giant leap It happens through hundreds of small improvements that build on one another
If we can make something just one, two or three percent better today than it was yesterday, and have the discipline to keep doing that, those gains begin to compound Before long, they become transformational ”
For Alistair, success can be measured quite simply: Did we leave things a little better than we found them?
Did we make life easier for a colleague?
Did we improve the experience for a customer?
Did we solve a problem that someone else no longer has to solve tomorrow?
“Our role is to remove obstacles, unlock potential and create an environment where great people can do their very best work
Technology doesn't create great businesses. People do.
Away from the office, Alistair enjoys spending time with family and friends has a passion for engineering, classic cars, mechanical watches and emerging technologies He is endlessly curious about how things work,and how they can work better
As Farsons continues building for the future, he is excited to work alongside colleagues across the Group, embracing new ideas, learning from one another and proving that the biggest transformations often begin with the smallest improvements
And yes there is something uniquely satisfying about knowing the next Cisk is never more than a short walk away
Farsons Reports Another Year of Solid Growth Together With a Strategic Re-Focusing of The Group Business
Together, we have once again delivered a strong set of results, reporting continued revenue growth and improved profitability across our core operations.
Our performance in the Beverage Business reflects the strength of our brands, our disciplined cost management, and the strategic investments we continue to make to position ourselves for long-term success. Behind these results is the continued commitment of every one of us—our dedication and adaptability have helped us navigate a challenging and competitive business environment.
At a Glance - The Beverage Business of the Group
€106.5m
Our revenue for the financial year reached €106.5 million, reflecting sustained demand across our beverage operations. Our operating profit grew to €16.8 million, supported by improved margins and the operational efficiencies we have built across the business.
We continue to undertake significant investments to future-proof our facilities in a sustainable manner. Over €90m of investments have been undertaken for our Beverage Business over the past decade.
Ultimately, our ability to deliver consistent value and sustainable long-term growth is driven by our people—by the effort, pride, and commitment each of us brings to our role every day.
A perfect balance of smooth and spicy for unforgettable cocktails
WHAT’S NEW AT FBIC ABSOLUT HEAT CORONA CERO
100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Ab InBev has expanded its product portfolio into a series of Corona beers Get a taste of the best version of its iconic Corona beer
Absolut Heat is a bold fusion of premium vodka and the iconic spice of Tabasco
PREMIUM COCKTAIL MAKERS MADE FOR CREATIVITY A CRISP COOL VODKA WITH A FIERY KICK
E MIXEUR E MONIN
Le Mevreur de Monin is a range of premium ready-touse cocktail mixers made from Monin, designed to help better people make cocktail lovers create classic cocktails
WHAT’S NEW AT FBIC
A REFRESHING ITALIAN APERITIVO
Sarti Rosa is a vibrant Italian aperitivo made with infusions of citrus fruits and herbs Light, refreshing, and perfect for sharing it brings the spirit of Italian socialising to any occasion
A BRITISH APPLE CIDER BY HEINEKEN UK
A British apple cider brand, launched by Heineken UK Its flagship product, Inch's Medium Apple Cider, is a lightly sparkling cider with an alcohol content of 4 5% ABV, offering a fresh apple aroma a medium-sweet taste, and gentle carbonation
SARTI ROSA INCH’S CIDER ANCHO REYES
A MEXICAN CHILE LIQUEUR WITH HERITAGE
Ancho Reyes is a Mexican chile liqueur made from ancho chile peppers With a rich, smoky sweetness and warm spice, it adds depth and character to cocktails and is enjoyed in traditional Mexican serves
Innovation and New Product Development
7UP Pink Lemonade Zero Sugar is the latest addition to the 7UP portfolio. Combining the crisp lemon and lime taste of 7UP with a refreshing raspberry flavour, the new zero-sugar variant offers a vibrant twist on the classic soft drink. The expanded range, which now includes 7UP, 7UP Zero and 7UP Pink Lemonade Zero Sugar, is available in 50cl and 1 5-litre bottles across retail outlets nationwide.
Progress Through Continuous Improvement
Another year has passed in our ongoing journey towards food safety and quality excellence While there is still much work ahead, we continue to make steady progress in strengthening our systems, our standards, and, most importantly, our food safety culture
This year has seen us achieve several important milestones in our food safety and quality journey The successful completion of external audits, and the maintenance of internationally recognised certifications, provide assurance that our systems remain effective and aligned with industry expectations More importantly, these achievements reflect the commitment, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated across the business every day
While these results are encouraging continuous improvement remains our focus Food safety excellence is not defined by audits alone; it is achieved through the countless decisions made on the production floor, in warehouses, in offices and across every area of our operations
Small actions taken consistently can have a significant impact on maintaining high standards and preventing issues before they arise. Each of us can contribute by remaining attentive to our surroundings, following procedures consistently, maintaining good housekeeping standards, and addressing concerns promptly when they are identified. Taking ownership of our work areas, supporting colleagues, and sharing ideas for improvement, are equally important in strengthening our food safety culture
The progress achieved in recent years demonstrates the value of collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and all support functions By working together, challenging existing practices, and seeking opportunities to improve, we continue to build a stronger and more resilient organisation
As we look ahead, our goal is not simply to maintain standards but to continuously enhance them Every suggestion, observation, and improvement no matter how small helps us protect our consumers, strengthen our brands, and ensure that quality and food safety remain at the heart of everything we do
Thank you to everyone for your continued commitment and support throughout the year Let us build on the progress we have made learn from the challenges we continue to face and keep moving forward together on our journey towards food safety and quality excellence.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
DANICA CACHIA
SALES OFFICER – FBIC
33-year-old mother of two
Values family time and making memories
Enjoys exploring new places, discovering great food, learning new things, and unwinding by the sea, with a passion for travel, music, movies, and long walks
SYED HAMZA ZAIDI
QMS MANAGER
33 years old
MPhil in Food Safety & strong PepsiCo background
Values quality culture; enjoys travel & cricket
DYLAN FARRUGIA
STOREKEEPER - PLANNING & INVENTORY
25 years old
Motivated, confident, and proud of his role
Positive about growth and future opportunities
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
GARY LEE VELLA
MAINTENANCE MANAGER BREWING
Active in NGO Żibel, organising clean-ups and recycling initiatives
Developing practical plastic reuse solutions
Passionate scuba diver supporting environmental awareness
KENNETH BRAY
PET LINE PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN
45 years old
Big Juventus and Ferrari supporter; loves match days and race weekends
Values quality time and making memories together with his family
GABRIEL BALDACCHINO
FINANCE OFFICER
29 years old
Friendly and adaptable
Passionate about spearfishing
Fun-loving and positive
Building the Future: Our Fully Automated Logistics Warehouse
Chris Borg Cardona - Group Head of Logistics
As part of our ongoing commitment to eco-friendly packaging and the circular economy, works are well underway on a state-of-the-art Fully Automated Logistics Warehouse The Facility, the construction of which formally commenced in September 2025, is targeted for commissioning by October 2027 and represents a major step forward in how we manage returnable packaging across the business.
The project involves transforming part of the old Packaging Hall into a modern, high-density, silo-built warehouse, reaching 32 metres in height, an innovative concept and the first of its kind in Malta With a capacity exceeding 8,000 pallet positions and equipped with advanced automated stacker cranes and shuttle systems, the Facility will streamline storage, retrieval and replenishment processes, significantly improving operational efficiency
At present, returnable packaging, including pallets, bottles, crates, Ecopure racks and kegs, is stored across multiple locations, making operations labour-intensive and requiring significant transport between sites The new facility will centralise all empties into one highly efficient automated warehouse, directly connected to our adjacent production areas Returnable packaging received from trade will be conveyed automatically into the warehouse, while replenishment for production will take place seamlessly through a network of pallet lifts, conveyors and an AGV (automated counter-balance truck)
Sustainability remains at the heart of this investment By consolidating storage into a single location we will reduce internal transportation and associated emissions The integration of solar panels will further contribute towards lowering our carbon footprint with the potential for the facility to be carbon neutral
Building works are currently in progress and are expected to be completed by October 2026, after which the automated warehouse supplier will commence installation of the warehouse structure and systems
This landmark project will unlock valuable space, enhance efficiency, and support future growth, while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainability
Scaling for the Future: The Beer Tank Platform Upgrade
Alex Meilak - Operations Manager, Brewing
A major transformation is taking shape at the Beer Tank Platform on site as we continue to invest in the future of ourbrewing operations. Designed to strengthen capacity, reliability, and long-term sustainability the project includes the replacement of four fermentation vessels together with the installation of additional new tanks to support the next phase of growth. The four replaced fermentation vessels had been in operation for more than 38 years.
Beyond the impressive logistics and heavy lifting the project is about building a stronger brewing platform for the years ahead Once in place, the new tanks will be integrated into the brewery s process, cooling, utility and automation systems, helping modernise infrastructure and improve operational efficiency across the brewing process
In total, the upgrade involves twelve significant tank movements, including the removal of four existing fermenting tanks and the installation of eight new vessels supplied by Ziemann Holvrieka GmbH in Germany The new tanks include two 600hl fermentation vessels two 1,000hl fermentation vessels, two 1,200hl fermentation vessels and two 1300hl bright beer tanks further strengthening both fermentation and bright beer storage capacity
Backed by an investment of approximately €2 5 million, the Beer Tank Platform Upgrade marks another important milestone in preparing operations for future growth With all works being carried out under strict safety procedures, the new tanks are expected to be fully operational by the end of July 2026
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOPS 2026: ONE TEAM, ONE FUTURE
BUILDING COLLABORATION ACROSS THE GROUP
ERIKA LANZON HR SPECIALIST, PERFORMANCE
Between February and March 2026, five Employee Engagement Workshops were held at Trident Park, bringing together around 500 employees The sessions featured updates on the Group s strategic priorities, alongside a review of the Code of Conduct from Group Chief Executive, Norman Aquilina and CEO Designate, Michael Farrugia Employees participated in interdepartmental workflow sessions to better understand collaboration across the business An interactive team challenge facilitated by ThinkTalent encouraged cross-functional teamwork, while Adrian Xuereb Archer led a session on collaboration adaptability, and shared responsibility The workshops concluded with networking opportunities over lunch, strengthening connections across the Group
WHAT EMPLOYEES SAID (EVALUATION FEEDBACK):
"Very well organised Talks were short but effective The setup of tables from different departments was a very good idea. Well done."
"I liked the fact that we were given different wristbands so that we could mingle with other departments."
"Working together during the quiz was enjoyable and encouraged collaboration between teams."
"I truly enjoyed the workshop Although it was my first time participating it was a wonderful and engaging experience I believe that workshops like this empower and motivate employees to give their best and represent the company with pride "
