Drinks firm wins Malta export deal

Tovali, which produces squash, has sent a consignment of around 15,000 bottles to Malta - an order the firm hopes to repeat in the near future.

The deal was made possible after the Mediterranean country relaxed its import duties on 1 January as part of its application to join the EU in 2004.

Tovali managing director Eurwyn Harries has said the company, which employs 10 people, could expand if the venture proves successful.

"Before this consignment, it was thought there would be an order of this size every couple of months," he said.

"We hope that is what will happen.

"It all depends on how it is accepted over there."

The order was secured after representatives from Maltese firm Aquatess saw Tovali's advert in a magazine.

Regional start

Mr Harries said the family firm was now looking at exporting to other Mediterranean countries, including Cyprus.

"Squashes tend to be a British-type of product and the historical connection between Britain and Malta and Cyrus mean that drinks could be popular," he said.

"We are also looking at the Spanish market as far as ex-pats are concerned," he added.

Set up in 1937, Tovali began as a regional company covering west Wales from Aberystwyth in the north and Swansea in the east.

But Mr Harries explained the company grew as motorways revolutionised transport in the UK.

"As the logistics became easier, we expanded dramatically and 75% of our production now goes into England," he said.

Tovali produces a wide range of squashes including orange, lemon, blackcurrant, lime and orange and pineapple.