M&Z

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.

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

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

• FMCG distribution
• Brand importation
• HORECA supply
• Retail distribution
• Consumer goods marketing

Headquarters

HQ city

Valletta

HQ country

Malta

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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

Core 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.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UnilevercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorM&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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributes Bovril beef extract products, a brand owned by Unilever that has been in production since the 1870s.
• Thai Union Manufacturing Co., LtdcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerThai 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSanta 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 DrinkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian brand celebrated for premium brewed beverages, particularly Ginger Beer brewed using real ginger. M&Z distributes the Bundaberg range across Malta and Gozo.
• VaselinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVaseline 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.
• QuorncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQuorn 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMagnum 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 ShortbreadminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScottish 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 HoneyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Zealand producer of raw authentic Manuka honey made from pollen of the Manuka Flower. Steens Manuka honey is distributed in Malta through M&Z.
• TipiakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench culinary brand recognised for authenticity, quality and originality. Offers couscous, cereals, quinoa, croutons, frozen macarons and ready meals.
• Tiger Tiger (JK Foods)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAsian 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.
• HorafrostminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading European frozen vegetable producer based in Belgium. Offers over 40 different fresh vegetables and 140+ finished products, BRC and IFS certified.
• Asiago FoodminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian company bringing forest products including mushrooms, wild berries, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, all frozen hours after harvesting.
• EmborgminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded in 1947, Emborg offers over 250 products inspired by different cuisines worldwide. A key player in seafood, meat, dairy and frozen vegetables markets.
• QuornminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBritish meat-free food brand using mycoprotein, offering versatile meat alternatives that cook like meat.
• OrogelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian cooperative of more than 1,500 members producing frozen foods including vegetables, soups, main courses, fish, snacks and ice cream.
• ClareboutminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne 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)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian brand expressing deep knowledge of the sea, with fish fingers, prawns, seafood, octopus, calamari and more for Italian and European markets.
• AmadoriminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian poultry specialist offering roast meats, frozen food, breaded products and ready-to-eat specialities. 100% Italian certified meat products.
• CondiprestominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrozen fish sauces developed since 1956, including seafood sauces for pasta and risotto, marketed under iCondipresto line.
• Tyrrell'sminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHand-cooked English crisps from Herefordshire, UK. Planted, picked, sliced, cooked and packed at Tyrrells Court Farm in small batches.
• ToffifeeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman confectionery brand established in 1973, combining hazelnuts, caramel, nougat and chocolate. Enjoyed in over 100 countries.
• Zwan (Zwanenberg Food Group)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch 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 OriginalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman caramel candy brand created over 100 years ago by Gustav Nebel, still made with finest ingredients and same care.
• Well & TrulyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBritish 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)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian artisan gelato and pastry ingredients brand from Ipsa, established in 1978 in Ascoli Piceno, exporting to 60 countries worldwide.
• VitavigorminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian breadstick brand crafting authentic grissini since 1958, using traditional baking methods with 100% extra-virgin olive oil.
• Unoli (Elburg Global)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSoybean 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 FoodminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorM&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

Emerging 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

• Facebookfacebook.com/mzmplc
• Instagraminstagram.com/whatsinstore_mlt
• Xx.com/mzmmarketing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mz-plc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about M&Z