We asked you to recommend Maltese businesses that made a big difference to you during lockdown and, unsurprisingly, delivery companies bringing fresh fruit and vegetables to your door were among the most popular. The four companies below allowed you to stay home as much as possible by providing you with fresh, local produce. It’s no wonder they came out on top!

Email: support@greens-supermarket.com
Phone: (+356) 2137 7247
Address: Triq l-Uqija, Ibragg, Swieqi SWQ 2333
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7am-10pm, Sundays & Public Hols: 7am-10pm
Closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year

By an overwhelming majority, Greens was our most-nominated supermarket with many people highlighting the quality of its food, efficiency of its delivery system, and the wide range of products it offers – including a fantastic selection of free-from and organic options. Situated in Swieqi, the supermarket itself is a pleasure to shop in with onsite parking and (when not in lockdown) a superb café serving scrummy food.

For those from the States and the UK, there is something of a Wholefoods vibe about the top floor of the store. It has an enormous delicatessen and greengrocery, all of which is beautifully merchandised and enjoyable to potter around. Notably, the meat and fish counters at Greens are fantastic with expert butchers and fishmongers able to prepare your food to your specification.

Downstairs, a wide range of local and imported food should ensure that you will find almost anything you are searching for. The Babycare section is particularly good with a huge selection of ranges available, including Curly Ellie, Nuk and Aveeno.

This really is a top quality supermarket which has been doing an excellent job for the island throughout lockdown.

Email: info@mgarrfarms.com
Address: Mgarr Farms, 4, Triq il- Kappar, Mosta
Mob: +356 79660111
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Who hasn’t searched for a great delivery box while in lockdown? For those of us who found Mgarr Farms, it really feels as though our prayers have been answered.

What sets Mgarr apart is the value-for-money of its boxes, alongside the quality of the produce and the efficiency of their delivery system. Their website is easy to navigate and well-designed, and you are able to select time-specific slots as well as a wide range of additional options for your delivery.

It is all quick, easy and reliable. In our experience (and this is an opinion shared with the countless nominations Mgarr Farms received online) the produce they supply is fresh and clean (although we of course wash everything thoroughly again when we receive it). It also lasts well and is full of flavour. From our box this week, the quality of the tomatoes was notable, as was the fact that the avocados arrived perfectly ripe – ready to use but with no hint of having gone over the edge. If you are looking for organic options, Mgarr has a good selection, and we always appreciate when they pop eggs into the box too.

At the end of lockdown, Mgarr is one thing we have no desire to finish with – we will be regular subscribers for the long term.

Email: info@thevegbox.com.mt
Address: Triq il-Kappella tal-Militar, Manikata, MLH5003
Mob: 99440405
Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30-6:30pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10:30-2pm, any other days, book an appointment.

Getting fresh, in-season, organic veg doesn’t come simpler than this. If you’re in the north then this is on your doorstep. If you’re not, then the drive to rural Manikata will be a pleasant jaunt into a part of the island that you might not get to very often. Emanuela and her team of young, enthusiastic agriculturalists know everything there is to know about seasonal local produce and that is exactly what you will find here, with most of it grown in the surrounding fields. Don’t expect to find everything on your list though: the best thing about the Veg Box is that only in-season produce is sold. 

What you will find at The Veg Box is a small selection of super-fresh local vegetables, the odd bit of fruit (their strawberries were out of this world) and some treats like local goats’ cheese, vegan cakes and crackers, happy-chicken eggs, and vegan cheese spread. As they are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays (all day) we have made a trip here part of our weekly routine, and combine it with a lovely long walk and picnic along the Manikata cliffs. But if you do need delivery, their to-your-door option using Cool Cars is straightforward and efficient, so you can still enjoy this little gem without the journey. Highly recommended!

Email: info@farmersdelimalta.com
Mob: 99372514
Address: Villa Bologna, 30, Triq Sant’Antnin Street, Attard
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm

Aside from the breathtakingly beautiful cafe and pottery attached to the farm shop (more of which in another newsletter), the Farmer’s Deli at Villa Bologna provides some of the freshest organic produce on the island, straight to your door. The staff are helpful and friendly and – although it is not the cheapest option – the quality of the produce and its excellent organic credentials make it more than worth the money.

Alongside their vegetables, The Farmer’s Deli is able to supply a wide range of gourmet products, with an emphasis on plant-based eating and local provenance. It is our go-to for tofu and other vegetarian meat alternatives, and their oils and wines are second-to-none. It’s worth noting that they offer a subscription service on vegetable boxes so you don’t even need to think of placing an order from one week to the next, although the friendly team are happy to make changes to your boxes to accommodate your personal preferences.

For top-quality and 100% certified organic produce, the Farmer’s Deli is a must-see on the island and we love it.