The catering industry plays a major role in determining how and what we all eat, since without it, the vast majority of communal catering is simply not possible. And when we say communal catering, we often mean the only hot meal that the majority of each and one of us eat each day. And yet the industry continues to be underestimated in the daily challenges it faces, in the issues it constantly has to address and in the
concerns it has.
All this, despite the fact that since the pandemic, no stone has been left unturned. And all this despite – or perhaps because – catering establishments already had to cope with many changes, such as climate change, technical revolutions, price increases and the shortage of skilled workers. A reality that must be highlighted so authorities, stakeholders and above all, the man in the street is more aware and sensitive on the reality of the catering industry.
It is in the context that the Association of Catering Establishments plays a fundamental role to raise such matters in the relevant fora. It is the duty of ACE to invest in research and data to offer a clear picture of the state of play of such an important component of what has recently been labelled as a sector that is feeding the nation’s economy. It is in this context that recent research and economic studies presented by ACE play an important role by providing a raw picture of the catering industry in Malta today. Studies which in synthesis spell out the raw reality that whilst revenues for the vast majority of catering establishments are lower, the challenges faced by the industry remain much the same that we as an association has been constantly stressing over the past years. Possibly more with the introduction of new measures which are affecting our day to day operations.
Yet we look positive towards the present and most of all the future. And we have reasons to do so. Notwithstanding the challenges, the industry is alive and has achieved so much over the years. The Michelin Guide Malta 2025, the inclusion of local restaurants in Forbes Travel Guide’s Rating, the success of various operators in Malta and abroad as well as the ability of all operators who have gone through thick and thin over the past years are a clear testament of the local catering industry’s abilities and potential.
We also look positively ahead because the government has always supported the industry. Hand on heart, the industry would be in much a worse state if the government wouldn’t have over the past years intervened during the COVID-19 pandemic by means of the COVID Wage Supplement. The industry would be in much dire straits if the government would not have extended its energy, water, fuel, and grain subsidy programs. Vital support which helped cushion the impact of an unstable international environment as well as inflation. But, the challenges the industry is currently facing call for more to ensure the sustainability of all operators in the
catering industry.
What is surely necessary is that we all understand that the well-being of the catering industry does not rely on one single component of the puzzle. The present and future sustainability of the industry requires a collective effort. It requires us, the Association of Catering Establishments to continue serving as a voice and lead the way for a serious discussion to tangibly ensure the long-term sustainability of such an integral component of the Maltese economy. It also requires that every operator refrains from adopting the ostrich approach. That every operator refrains from acting short sighted. Every operator must understand that their actions, their decisions and their inactions will inevitably affect the industry at large.
