I had a very interesting chat with Jean-Pierre Schembri, the CEO of CPHCL. He talked to me about the developments happening at CPHCL, and I must say I was amazed by the many initiatives. A number of them are still in development, so discussing these initiatives at this stage would be premature. Consequently, I can only provide a limited amount of information at this time.
Jean-Pierre Schembri
Besides its majority shareholding in the Corinthia Group and its 50% shareholding in MIH, CPHCL has been working to grow its business on other fronts.
One of the areas which CPHCL has been focusing upon is real estate development. In this regard, Jean Pierre informed me: “In collaboration with Attard Brothers, we have established a Joint Venture to jointly pursue bids for various real estate development projects. We have successfully acquired a prominent building in Valletta, which we intend to begin transforming into a mixed-use development in January 2026. In the interim, we are undertaking all necessary preparatory work. Together with Attard Brothers, we have also made bids for several other projects, which we hope to secure in the coming weeks.
“We are also looking to diversify into new sectors, specifically by managing elderly care facilities and expanding our landscaping business.”
One other initiative that interested me acutely was Quality Talent, Ltd (RQT, short for recruitment and quality talent.) I had already hinted about this in an earlier article which was published in Insider Plus on 20 April 2023.
RQT is a CPHCL subsidiary company, which was recently formed to meet the challenges Corinthia is facing in recruiting the correct quantity and quality of employees. The goal is to draw in a selection of talent that has been carefully chosen and trained according to the service standards for which Corinthia is well-known. In its initial years of operation, the focus was intended to be on Corinthia’s Malta hotels and other business ventures within the company.
Images – Rene Rossignaud
Jean-Pierre, however, added that this company saw substantial growth in its market value within the Group, with immediate goals focused on expanding its third-party business beyond the Group and diversifying. Its outsourcing model is to include non-hospitality sectors. This means a widening of its original perspective and initial focus. “In fact, to date RQT has established service agreements with several prominent third-party hotel operators, including IHG, AX group, Hugo’s and Xara Collection, amongst others.”
“The exciting news is that RQT will have around 600 workers in its books by August, 60% of which are outsourced to the Group, while 40% are outsourced to external companies. RQT is also in the process of collaborating with select manufacturing companies, and retail operators to further diversify its portfolio and expand beyond the hospitality industry. It is therefore set to expand its horizons widely and deeply.”
Also interesting is what is happening within Danish Bakery.
To further reinforce its market position and accelerate growth, Danish Bakery is implementing a range of initiatives:
• Diversification of distribution channels;
• Product Line Expansion and introduction of new products;
•Strategic Collaborations – Partnering with key stakeholders; and
• Digital & Marketing Initiatives – Deploying data-driven marketing strategies to boost brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Regarding the new plant project, Danish Bakery is actively collaborating with QP and key consultants in architectural, structural engineering, building services, and logistics. Jean Pierre added: “As we move towards the implementation phase, our management team remains focused on disciplined execution, risk mitigation and securing the necessary approvals to ensure a smooth rollout. This comprehensive project is set to evaluate our production capabilities and market presence, reinforcing Danish Bakery Ltd’s competitive edge in alignment with our long-term vision.”
Swan Laundry too is moving on with new investments. “We have recently made several investments in the plant, which are part of our 5-year investment plan, and which are being financed from the laundry’s cashflow:
• New compressor room: installed and commissioned;
• Ventilation System: installed and commissioned;
•Washing Machines: two new units installed (28kilos each), with commissioning scheduled for June 18;
• Upcoming Equipment: an additional flat ironer and towel folder are expected in the first week of October; and
• New Boiler and Infrastructure: permits application in process.”
There is also an exciting Joint Venture with Alebda in Libya. Alebda is an international catering company engaged in the catering services for onshore, offshore, construction, industrial, and marine vessels companies.
“Our Warren D’Ancona, who has very recently joined our team at CPHCL, has touched the ground running. He will be focusing on taking forward the following work:
* Setting up a CPHCL training academy in Libya, offering courses to cleaning staff, kitchen staff and bakery personnel. This training programme will be designed by RQT, on similar lines that we provide training to RQT staff in Malta;
* Restarting our industrial catering business in Libya, and in this regard we have already secured a catering contract in the south of Libya;
* Setting up airline catering together on a 50-50 basis; and
* Jointly setting up a bakery in Libya, looking for new opportunities there.”
MFCC
CPHCL also owns a shareholding in the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC). It has recently formed a strategic partnership, with each collaborator contributing distinct strengths and expertise to enhance and promote MFCC as the island’s premier venue for events, exhibitions, fairs, concerts, and conferences.
“Our goal is to establish MFCC as a leading convention and conference centre of international calibre, capable of competing with the finest convention centres in Europe. The strategic positioning of MFCC at the heart of the Island makes it the ideal site for Malta’s convention centre. This is a monumental project, and I am confident that, along with our partners, we have the right formula to turn this vision into reality,” concluded Jean Pierre jubilantly.
That’s quite a handful.
“These are very busy times,” emphasised Jean-Pierre Schembri, CEO, CPHCL, “and it’s truly thrilling to see such a rapid influx of development happening simultaneously, widening our roads into highways, setting higher limits, and meeting an increasing amount of challenges.”
