M&Z
M&Z p.l.c. is a publicly listed, Malta-based FMCG importer and distributor with over 100 years of history, representing global brands in food, confectionery, frozen, personal care, and beverages across Malta and Gozo's retail and HORECA channels.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1922
- HeadquartersValletta, Malta
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What M&Z does
M&Z p.l.c. is a publicly listed Maltese FMCG distribution company (Malta Stock Exchange) that has operated in the sector for over 100 years since its founding in 1922. Headquartered in Marsa, Malta, the company employs 101-250 people and serves as the exclusive or preferred importer and distributor of a large portfolio of global FMCG brands across the Maltese islands of Malta and Gozo. Its brand portfolio spans ice cream (Ben & Jerry's, Magnum, Cornetto, Carte D'Or, Algida), frozen foods (Orogel, Emborg, Horafrost, Clarebout, Amadori, La Ciurma, Asiago), snacks and confectionery (Walker's, Tyrrell's, Well & Truly, Toffifee, Werther's Original), spices and Tex Mex (Santa Maria/Paulig), meat and meat-free (Zwan, Quorn), personal care (Vaseline), beverages (Bundaberg), and specialty ingredients (Tipiak, Sania, Steens, Vitavigor, Tiger Tiger, Bovril). The company also owns the Blue Angel tuna brand, manufactured under license by Thai Union.
M&Z monetizes by importing and distributing these branded products on behalf of global manufacturers through two primary channels: retail (supermarkets, local grocers, convenience stores) and HORECA (hotels, restaurants, cafes, beach clubs, and seaside resorts). It supplements wholesale distribution with a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at whatsinstore.com.mt and supports its brand portfolio through above-the-line and below-the-line marketing, social media brand pages, recipe content, and an email newsletter. Core technology is described as not applicable, reflecting its traditional FMCG trading and distribution operating model rather than a technology platform business.
The company is described as a leading local FMCG player, balancing growth targets with corporate social responsibility. Its revenue model is fundamentally transactional (distributor margins on imported branded goods), with no public pricing disclosures and no named end-customers (serving long-tail consumer demand through retail and HORECA intermediaries). It is publicly listed in Malta, legally domiciled as a public limited company, with no disclosed parent or controlling entity.
M&Z firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- M&Z
- Legal name
- M&Z p.l.c.
- Website
- https://mz.com.mt
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1922
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- M&Z p.l.c. is a publicly listed, Malta-based FMCG importer and distributor with over 100 years of history, representing global brands in food, confectionery, frozen, personal care, and beverages across Malta and Gozo's retail and HORECA channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
M&Z industry classification
Industry- Product category
- FMCG Distribution and Importation
- NAICS
- Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446), Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers (42444)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International Specialty Ingredients & Import Markets (CRAHAFAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mass Beauty & Drugstore Beauty Distribution (CRAOAEAA), Ethnic Meat, Poultry & Seafood Wholesale (AFAIAIAC)
Keywords
Where M&Z is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Valletta
- HQ country
- Malta
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
M&Z business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- FMCG Product Distribution: M&Z p.l.c. generates revenue by importing and distributing a wide portfolio of branded food, confectionery, wines, spirits, baby care and personal care products to the retail and HORECA market in Malta and Gozo.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
M&Z product offering
Product offeringCore offering
M&Z p.l.c. is a publicly listed Maltese FMCG importer and distributor that represents global consumer brands in the local market. The company imports and markets a wide portfolio of branded food, confectionery, ice cream, wines, spirits, baby care, and personal care products, supplying them to retail outlets and the HORECA industry across Malta and Gozo. It also operates its own pet food brand (Prince & Princess) and owns the Blue Angel tuna brand, with sales to consumers going through retailers and the whatsinstore.com.mt online platform.
Product overview
M&Z p.l.c. is a publicly listed local FMCG company and leading importer of Food, Confectionery, Wines, Spirits, Baby Care & Personal Care brands for the retail and HORECA industry. The company distributes an extensive portfolio of international brands including its own private label Blue Angel tuna, alongside premium ice cream brands (Ben & Jerry's, Magnum, Cornetto, Carte D'Or, Algida), meat and meat-free products (Zwan, Quorn), frozen foods (Asiago, Orogel, Emborg, Horafrost, Clarebout, Amadori), spices and Tex Mex (Santa Maria), snacks (Walker's, Tyrrell's, Well & Truly, Toffifee, Werther's Original), personal care (Vaseline), beverages (Bundaberg), and specialty ingredients (Tipiak, Sania, Steens, Vitavigor, Tiger Tiger). The company supports marketing of its brand portfolio through both above-the-line and below-the-line activities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Blue Angel (Own Brand Tuna) M&Z's own brand of tuna fish supplied by Thai Union, available in vegetable oil in various sizes (95g cans to 1.715kg cans and 1kg pouches) for retail and foodservice customers in Malta.
- Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Distribution Exclusive distribution of Ben & Jerry's premium ice cream brand in Malta and Gozo, including classic and alternative-diet variants for retail and HORECA.
- Magnum Ice Cream Distribution Distribution of Magnum premium Belgian chocolate ice cream bars in classic, doubles, tubs, minis, and non-dairy formats across Malta and Gozo.
- Algida Ice Cream Distribution Distribution of the Algida (Unilever) umbrella ice cream brand in Malta since the 1960s, encompassing Magnum, Cornetto, Solero, Calippo, and Haribo Ice Cream products.
- Cornetto Ice Cream Cones Distribution Distribution of Cornetto ice cream cones with their signature crispy wafer, smooth ice cream, and flavoured topping across Malta and Gozo.
- Carte D'Or Ice Cream Distribution Distribution of Carte D'Or premium ice cream with refined flavours and light, creamy texture for retail and foodservice dessert occasions in Malta.
- Vaseline Skincare Distribution Distribution of the Vaseline (Unilever) skincare portfolio in Malta, including the new Gluta-Hya serum body lotion range.
- Quorn Meat-Free Distribution Distribution of Quorn mycoprotein-based meat alternatives (mince, pieces, sausages, fillets, ready meals) in Malta and Gozo.
- Santa Maria Spices and Tex Mex Distribution Distribution of Santa Maria (Paulig Group) spices, seasonings, sauces, Tex Mex products, and Indian / Thai / BBQ food solutions in Malta and Gozo.
- Bovril Distribution Distribution of Bovril (Unilever) thick salty beef extract in Malta and Gozo, for retail and HORECA use as a beverage, soup flavouring, or spread.
- Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Distribution Distribution of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks premium brewed beverages, including iconic Ginger Beer, across Malta and Gozo.
- Steens Manuka Honey Distribution Distribution of Steens raw authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand in Malta, including UMF-rated monofloral and multifloral varieties.
- Tipiak Distribution Distribution of Tipiak French dry and frozen products including couscous, quinoa, croutons, lentils, frozen macarons, and frozen ready meals in Malta.
- Tiger Tiger Asian Food Distribution Distribution of Tiger Tiger Asian food range (one of the widest eastern food ranges available) for foodservice and retail markets in Malta.
- Walker's Shortbread Distribution Distribution of Walker's Scottish shortbread (fingers, biscuits, oatcakes) in Malta and Gozo.
- Werther's Original Distribution Distribution of Werther's Original hard caramel candies in Malta and Gozo.
- Toffifee Distribution Distribution of Toffifee German confectionery (hazelnut, caramel, nougat, and chocolate) in Malta and Gozo.
- Tyrrell's Crisps Distribution Distribution of Tyrrell's hand-cooked English crisps from Herefordshire, made from local potatoes with no artificial additives.
- Well & Truly Snacks Distribution Distribution of Well & Truly better-for-you British snack brand in Malta and Gozo; all products are vegetarian and certified gluten-free.
- Orogel Frozen Foods Distribution Distribution of Orogel Italian cooperative frozen foods (vegetables, soups, main courses, fish, snacks, ice cream) in Malta and Gozo.
- Clarebout Frozen Potato Products Distribution Distribution of Clarebout frozen potato products (over 200 varieties) in Malta and Gozo.
- Horafrost Frozen Vegetables Distribution Distribution of Horafrost Belgian frozen vegetable products (over 40 fresh vegetables and 140+ finished products, BRC and IFS certified) in Malta and Gozo.
- Asiago Frozen Forest Products Distribution Distribution of Asiago frozen fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, wild berries, and veggie burgers from the Asiago plateau in Malta.
- Emborg Frozen Foods Distribution Distribution of Emborg frozen seafood, meat, dairy, and vegetable products (over 250 products) in Malta and Gozo.
- La Ciurma Seafood Distribution Distribution of La Ciurma (Ittitalia) Italian seafood products including fish fingers, prawns, seafood mixes, octopus, crab sticks, and squid in Malta.
- Amadori Poultry Distribution Distribution of Amadori Italian poultry products (roast meats, frozen food, breaded products, ready-to-eat specialities) in Malta and Gozo.
- Condipresto Frozen Sauces Distribution Distribution of Condipresto Italian frozen seafood sauces for pasta and risotto in Malta and Gozo.
- Sania Gelato and Pastry Ingredients Distribution Distribution of Sania (Ipsa) Italian artisan gelato and pastry ingredients (ice cream bases, mixes, pastry products, margarines) in Malta and Gozo.
- Vitavigor Italian Grissini Distribution Distribution of Vitavigor Italian grissini (breadsticks) in classic, sesame, garlic, and multigrain varieties in Malta and Gozo.
- Unoli Soybean Oil Distribution Distribution of Unoli (Elburg Global) soybean oil, low in saturated fat and a source of omega-3, in Malta and Gozo.
- Zwan Processed Meats Distribution Distribution of Zwan (Zwanenberg Food Group) Dutch processed meats — luncheon meats, hot dogs, ham, and charcuterie including halal certified products — in Malta and Gozo.
- Prince & Princess Pet Food Distribution (Own Range) Distribution of Prince & Princess pet food range to retail outlets across Malta and via the whatsinstore.com.mt online storefront, with associated animal welfare initiatives.
- Own E-commerce Storefront (whatsinstore.com.mt) Direct-to-consumer online storefront selling M&Z's selected products (including Prince & Princess pet food) to Maltese consumers.
Companies that use M&Z
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
M&Z technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
M&Z partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- UnilevercoreM&Z p.l.c. distributes Unilever brands including Ben & Jerry's, Algida, Magnum, Cornetto, Carte D'Or, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, PG Tips, Pot Noodle, Marmite, Vaseline, and other personal care brands across Malta and Gozo.
- Bovril (Unilever)coreDistributes Bovril beef extract products, a brand owned by Unilever that has been in production since the 1870s.
- Thai Union Manufacturing Co., LtdcoreThai Union supplies Blue Angel, M&Z's own brand of tuna fish. Thai Union was established in 1973 and is a leading producer and exporter of frozen and canned seafood in Thailand, distributing worldwide.
- Santa Maria (Paulig Group)coreSanta Maria is part of the Paulig Group and M&Z distributes their range of spices, Tex Mex products, Indian food, Thai food, and BBQ products in Malta. Originally Discovery Foods, acquired by Santa Maria in 2009.
- Bundaberg Brewed DrinkscoreAustralian brand celebrated for premium brewed beverages, particularly Ginger Beer brewed using real ginger. M&Z distributes the Bundaberg range across Malta and Gozo.
- VaselinecoreVaseline has been a trusted skincare name for over 150 years. M&Z p.l.c. represents Vaseline as part of its growing portfolio of leading personal care brands in Malta and Gozo.
- QuorncoreQuorn is distributed by M&Z, offering mycoprotein-based meat-free products including mince, pieces, sausages, and ready meals. Quorn products are enjoyed in households across more than 20 countries.
- Magnum (Unilever)coreMagnum is distributed by M&Z through Algida Malta. The brand is the world's number one ice-cream bar, made with high-quality Belgian chocolate.
- Walker's ShortbreadminorScottish shortbread brand established in 1898, still baked in small batches using the original recipe. M&Z distributes Walker's range including shortbread fingers, biscuits, and oatcakes.
- Steens Manuka HoneyminorNew Zealand producer of raw authentic Manuka honey made from pollen of the Manuka Flower. Steens Manuka honey is distributed in Malta through M&Z.
- TipiakminorFrench culinary brand recognised for authenticity, quality and originality. Offers couscous, cereals, quinoa, croutons, frozen macarons and ready meals.
- Tiger Tiger (JK Foods)minorAsian food brand developed by JK Foods (division of Hyperama PLC) in 1998. One of the widest eastern food ranges available, serving foodservice and retail markets.
- HorafrostminorLeading European frozen vegetable producer based in Belgium. Offers over 40 different fresh vegetables and 140+ finished products, BRC and IFS certified.
- Asiago FoodminorItalian company bringing forest products including mushrooms, wild berries, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, all frozen hours after harvesting.
- EmborgminorFounded in 1947, Emborg offers over 250 products inspired by different cuisines worldwide. A key player in seafood, meat, dairy and frozen vegetables markets.
- QuornminorBritish meat-free food brand using mycoprotein, offering versatile meat alternatives that cook like meat.
- OrogelminorItalian cooperative of more than 1,500 members producing frozen foods including vegetables, soups, main courses, fish, snacks and ice cream.
- ClareboutminorOne of the world's leading producers of frozen potato products from Belgium, with over 200 frozen potato products developed to customer specifications.
- La Ciurma (Ittitalia)minorItalian brand expressing deep knowledge of the sea, with fish fingers, prawns, seafood, octopus, calamari and more for Italian and European markets.
- AmadoriminorItalian poultry specialist offering roast meats, frozen food, breaded products and ready-to-eat specialities. 100% Italian certified meat products.
- CondiprestominorFrozen fish sauces developed since 1956, including seafood sauces for pasta and risotto, marketed under iCondipresto line.
- Tyrrell'sminorHand-cooked English crisps from Herefordshire, UK. Planted, picked, sliced, cooked and packed at Tyrrells Court Farm in small batches.
- ToffifeeminorGerman confectionery brand established in 1973, combining hazelnuts, caramel, nougat and chocolate. Enjoyed in over 100 countries.
- Zwan (Zwanenberg Food Group)coreDutch meat products brand established in 1929, known for high quality luncheon meats, hot dogs, ham and charcuterie including halal certified products. Part of Zwanenberg Food Group.
- Werther's OriginalminorGerman caramel candy brand created over 100 years ago by Gustav Nebel, still made with finest ingredients and same care.
- Well & TrulyminorBritish snack brand launched in 2016, offering better-for-you snacks that are lower fat, fewer calories or lower sugar. All products are vegetarian and certified gluten free.
- Sania (Ipsa)minorItalian artisan gelato and pastry ingredients brand from Ipsa, established in 1978 in Ascoli Piceno, exporting to 60 countries worldwide.
- VitavigorminorItalian breadstick brand crafting authentic grissini since 1958, using traditional baking methods with 100% extra-virgin olive oil.
- Unoli (Elburg Global)minorSoybean oil brand from Dutch company Elburg Global, low in saturated fat with source of omega-3 fatty acids. Exports globally to Europe, Africa, South America and Asia.
- Prince & Princess Pet FoodminorM&Z supplies the Prince & Princess pet food range to retail outlets across Malta and through whatsinstore.com.mt, supporting animal welfare initiatives like Tails in Wonderland.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
M&Z competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Metro AG: German-listed multinational wholesale and foodservice company (METRO Cash & Carry). Comparable business model in B2B distribution to HORECA and small retailers, though operating at European scale with significant food and non-food assortment overlap.
Broad incumbents
- Performance Food Group: US-listed broadline foodservice distributor supplying independent restaurants, chain restaurants and other foodservice operators. Provides a public-market benchmark for HORECA-led distribution economics, scaled to a much larger geography.
- Booker Group: UK's largest food and beverage wholesaler serving retail, HORECA and institutional customers. Operates the same broad-line grocery distribution model as M&Z but at vastly larger scale, making it a useful structural benchmark for distribution economics.
- Bestway Wholesale: UK's second-largest independent wholesaler, supplying grocery, fresh, frozen and non-food categories to independent retailers and caterers. Closely comparable to M&Z's retail-supply and HORECA-supply footprint, though at materially greater scale.
- Musgrave Group: Irish family-owned food wholesale and retail group operating across Ireland, Spain and the UK. Family-controlled, multi-generational distributor with a comparable mix of own-brand and third-party branded FMCG distribution — a useful scale-comparable incumbent.
- Sysco Corporation: Global foodservice distribution leader, providing branded and own-label food products to restaurants, hotels and catering operators. Comparable business model on the HORECA side of M&Z's business, though operating at global scale.
Direct peers
- Hyperama PLC: UK-based food and beverage distributor (parent of Tiger Tiger / JK Foods), already connected to M&Z through their brand relationship. Operates an identical import-and-distribute model for ethnic and specialty food brands targeting retail and foodservice.
- Simonds Farsons Cisk plc: Malta-based publicly-listed FMCG company producing and distributing beverages and food products locally. Operates in the same Maltese market with similar distribution-to-retail/HORECA model and comparable public-company governance structure.
- Alfredo Geddo & Sons: Long-established Maltese food importer and distributor operating in the same local market with a comparable multi-generational, family-led distribution model. Direct competitor for Maltese retail and HORECA accounts.
Others
- Paulig Group: Finnish family-owned food company and parent of Santa Maria — one of M&Z's core brand principals. Not a peer in distribution but a relevant ecosystem counterparty, illustrating how M&Z's distributors operate within the strategies of their brand partners.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
M&Z social profiles
Digital presenceM&Z financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
M&Z leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
M&Z funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
M&Z M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about M&Z
What does M&Z do?
M&Z p.l.c. is a publicly listed Maltese FMCG importer and distributor that represents global consumer brands in the local market. The company imports and markets a wide portfolio of branded food, confectionery, ice cream, wines, spirits, baby care, and personal care products, supplying them to retail outlets and the HORECA industry across Malta and Gozo. It also operates its own pet food brand (Prince & Princess) and owns the Blue Angel tuna brand, with sales to consumers going through retailers and the whatsinstore.com.mt online platform.
Is M&Z a public or private company?
M&Z is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was M&Z founded?
M&Z was founded in 1922. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is M&Z based?
M&Z is headquartered in Valletta, Malta, in the Europe region.
How does M&Z make money?
One revenue line is on record: FMCG Product Distribution.
Who are M&Z's main competitors?
Metro AG is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Performance Food Group, Booker Group, Bestway Wholesale, Musgrave Group and Sysco Corporation. Direct peers are Hyperama PLC, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc and Alfredo Geddo & Sons. Paulig Group is listed as an others.
Does M&Z have an API?
No public API is recorded for M&Z.
What industry is M&Z in?
M&Z's product category is FMCG Distribution and Importation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAHAFAL, International Specialty Ingredients & Import Markets, with a secondary code of CRAOAEAA, Mass Beauty & Drugstore Beauty Distribution. Its NAICS code is 42446 and its SIC code is 5141.