In Greek mythology ‘nectar’ is considered as a beverage of the gods, which conferred immortality on any mortal lucky enough to partake of it. This inspired the name of the company when in 1991 Nectar Limited was established as a partnership with the aim to import and distribute quality food and beverages across Malta and Gozo.
A highly respected, family owned and run group of Companies, with an extensive portfolio of beverages and sweet and savoury snacks widely stocked in all leading supermarkets, and in outlets ranging from grocers to bars and hotels; cinemas to sports stadia; stationers to market stalls; canteens to seaside resorts and ferry boats as well as airport and seaport terminals.
In 1997 the Abela family bought over the full shareholding of the company with the aim to further develop and manage as a fully family owned company run by the directors Mr. Charles Abela and his two sons Roderick and Mario. This move triggered further growth and enabled the company to embark on an expansion programme.
To accommodate its exceptional growth in 2003, the company moved to new and centralized premises at Ta' Qali, close to the historic and picturesque old Capital City of Malta - Mdina. The new building, which incorporates ultra modern offices and warehouse, is equipped with all the latest state-of-the-art technology to meet the requirements of today's fast-changing business world. During the same year the shareholders acquired Sweet Source Limited, back then a competitor in the same segment which imported and supplied sweet and salty snacks and confectionary products.
Like a Phoenix, Sweetsource came back to life through its acquisition by the shareholders of Nectar and from near-bankruptcy it is today a thriving company. Soon after the acquisition, the new Directors took immediate steps to correct its strategy by implementing their proven formula. The first critical steps were to gradually eliminate locally sourced products, and streamline the Company's portfolio to better concentrate on marketing its exclusive brands.
The impact of the new strategies produced instant results. With the merger of office, warehousing, marketing and accounts, and the implementation of all IT processes and systems, a synergy was created to rapidly boost Sweetsource's efficiency.
In 2006 the Wrigley Division was established with the aim to consolidate the strong market share enjoyed by Wrigley products; more popularly known in Malta as Orbit chewing gum. With such an evolution today, Nectar group employs over 30 sales representatives in its 3 divisions, backed up with a team of sales managers and merchandisers.
The core product portfolio offered by Nectar Group has today evolved to include a wide range of confectionery; including frozen desserts, savoury snacks, juices and non alcoholic beverages.. The Nectar Group today has a turnover of €10,000,000 and employs over 90 employees in its various departments.
Today Nectar Group is one of the most pominent Maltese private sector companies that stands out as a family-owned company run by the four directors, sons and daughter of the late Charles Abela with widely diversified interests in the food and beverages sector. The Nectar Group continues to base its policies on a long term strategy in terms of logistics, facilities and personnel as a means for further growth.
It is this raison d'etre that has enabled Nectar Group to make huge strides in a highly competitive marketplace, and has seen it surpass performances by much bigger and longer established companies.