Festa Ikel Malti 2026 to celebrate Malta’s local food producers
The Malta Food Agency will once again organise Festa Ikel Malti, a celebration of Maltese food and the people behind its production, on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at the Pitkalija in Ta’ Qali.
The event will run from 10am to 5pm and will bring together more than 50 food producers and organisations, including participants from the Farmers’ Market. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover a wide range of local products and meet the people responsible for producing them.
The family-oriented event will feature food, live cooking, entertainment and activities for children. People attending with their pets are also welcome.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply Minister Anton Refalo said the event highlights the work and dedication of Malta’s farmers, fishermen and food producers.
“Behind every local product there is the work and dedication of our farmers, fishermen and producers. Through Festa Ikel Malti, we are giving these people and their products a platform, while encouraging more families to recognise the value of local produce and choose it,” Refalo said.
He added that events of this kind help strengthen the direct relationship between producers and consumers, and encouraged the public to attend the event and support local food producers through their participation.
Malta Food Agency Chief Executive Brian Vella said Festa Ikel Malti reflects the agency’s efforts to promote local food production and bring producers closer to consumers.
“Behind every local product there is a person, a family and a story that deserve to be valued. This is the vision that drives us: putting producers at the centre of our work and giving them the space, knowledge and opportunities to continue growing,” Vella said.
He described Festa Ikel Malti as an opportunity to bring this vision to life by connecting the public with the people whose work and dedication sustain Malta’s food identity.
“When we choose local products, we are investing in our people, our heritage and the future of the food sector in our country,” he added.
Justin John Camilleri, Chief Business Development Officer at the Malta Food Agency, said the event represents the culmination of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the position of local producers in the market.
He said the event combines promotion with direct sales, consumer engagement and the creation of new business relationships.
“The strategic value of the event lies in the way these elements complement our work throughout the year — expanding access to markets, increasing awareness of local products and helping producers develop their businesses,” Camilleri said.
He added that the aim was for the visibility gained during Festa Ikel Malti to translate into stronger demand, more business opportunities and lasting relationships between producers and consumers.
The public is invited to attend Festa Ikel Malti 2026 on Sunday, 11 October, at the Pitkalija in Ta’ Qali between 10am and 5pm for a day of food, entertainment and family activities, while celebrating Maltese products and the people who produce them.
