The EXCEL4MED Maltese partners joined forces at Festa Ikel Malti, held in Pitkali Vegetable Market on 20 October 2024, to celebrate Malta’s rich culinary heritage and engage the public with our project.

By sharing a taste of Malta’s vibrant food heritage and showcasing the benefits of the EXCEL4MED project, our Maltese partners created a memorable experience that brought innovation and tradition together, a testament to the strength of collaboration across the Mediterranean.

The event attracted around 50,000 people of all ages, who gathered to savour traditional Maltese food, fresh produce and a variety of activities in support of local businesses. Our Maltese partners – the Malta Food Agency, Koperattivi Malta, Malta Life Sciences Park (Malta Enterprise), and Mġarr Farming – set up an interactive EXCEL4MED stand to introduce our initiative to the public.

Bringing EXCEL4MED to the heart of Malta

The Malta Food Agency led the way in promoting EXCEL4MED at Festa Ikel Malti, which provided the perfect opportunity to share our project’s goals and benefits, aiming to inspire healthier, sustainable food systems across the Mediterranean region.

Our Maltese partners engaged with visitors, explaining how EXCEL4MED could support local agriculture, nutrition and innovation. Through a combination of live interaction, giveaways and sampling, we brought EXCEL4MED’s values directly to the community.

Attendees received complimentary pomegranates, fruit bags and notebooks, a warm and personal way to keep EXCEL4MED top of mind. We also offered freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, giving visitors a taste of the Mediterranean’s nutritious produce. These giveaways highlighted the importance of local agriculture and fresh products, symbolising EXCEL4MED’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of wholesome fruits.

This year’s Festa Ikel Malti proved to be more than just a celebration of food – it was a chance for EXCEL4MED Maltese partners to connect with the local community, share their vision for sustainable food systems, and invite the public to support a healthier, more collaborative Mediterranean.

Through this event, EXCEL4MED not only gained visibility but also strengthened its bond with the people and industries of Malta, laying the foundation for a future where local products, sustainable practices, and community well-being thrive.