Benna: From the Heart of Local Farms to the Core of the Culinary Industry

Fresh produce tastes better, a factor that doesn’t go unnoticed in food preparation. Within the horeca industry, Benna has always played a vital role, that of providing genuine and indispensable food items.

Founded in 1938 Malta Dairy Products, covers a range of essential daily needs: from milk to fresh cream, to yoghurt and cheese and even butter.

The Benna brand created in 1986, sources its dairy from 95 farms around Malta and Gozo, and receives milk daily within its premises, this produce then undergoes a pasteurisation process, making it safe for consumption. This method, unlike sterilisation, helps the milk retain its taste. Although Benna produces a comprehensive range of dairy products, milk remains its most requested item. This staple product is available, in whole, skimmed and lactose-free version, covering a range of dietary requirements across the board. Besides traditional milk, the company has recently launched its Bartista version: a creamy textured alternative designed solely for the industry.

Benna butter is another recent product that is also derived from the company’s dairy. Its churning and packaging process takes place in Italy, before its return to Malta for distribution. Other invaluable products include a selection of yoghurts ideal for continental breakfast, large fresh cream cartons, and a variety of cheese which is also available in lactose-free versions.

Benna ensures that products available for the everyday consumer, are also produced in larger formats for caterers. Versatile and of premium quality, local cheese is suitable for traditional or vegetarian cuisine. Mozzarella production includes the mini balls or single sized variety for salads, and the pizza version designed for baking or grilling.

Other cheese includes the ġbejniet, which are the largest on the market: a cost effective item that aids artisanal cuisine, and a standard ingredient for any Maltese platter. Fresh and local ricotta is also highly demanded. This decadent filling used in pies and pastizzi, carries a distinctive taste of milk and sea salt, and is available for the industry, in a texture that facilitates baking time.

Benna prides itself on its farm-to-table approach, where dairy is produced and delivered in 24 hours, through a six day week delivery service. This ensures freshness and functionality, thus providing the industry with products that contain less preservatives. Besides the convenience of regular deliveries, buying local reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Malta Dairy Products, remains entrusted within the horeca sector, due to its flexibility and its dedication towards the consumer’s needs. The company holds an open feedback policy, which welcomes advice from the industry–this has led the company to tweak and refine the quality of its products. Being adaptable to the industry has left a positive impact on the company, hence to its expansion. To date Malta Dairy Products, remains the only certified in-house entity. Milk is analysed daily for proteins and added substances, this also ensures that produce is derived from a healthy herd.

Benna’s long standing reputation stems from its reliability and its dedication to providing fresh and genuine dairy products, these factors guarantee that the brand remains the number one choice for the industry.