Today, as we indulge in endless varieties of chocolate and gourmet treats to celebrate International Chocolate Day, it’s hard to imagine a time when chocolate in Malta was limited, to say the least.

For those raised by Maltese parents that were born in the 70s, the stories of limited chocolate options during their childhood have become almost legendary. It’s a tale told often, one that evokes both nostalgia and disbelief.

The root of this chocolate deprivation dates back to the leadership of former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, whose policies aimed at protecting local industries changed Malta’s economy.

One of the most significant and memorable outcomes of these policies was the restriction on chocolate imports. The reasoning? The desire to promote local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

For many years, the only chocolate available on the island was Desserta a brand that has left a rather infamous legacy. Most who lived through the late 70s and early 80s recall it had less than pleasant taste.

It was dry, it wouldn’t melt, and it was a far cry from the creamy, rich chocolates that people craved. The scarcity of alternatives meant that Desserta was practically the only option from the late 1970s until 1987, leaving the smuggled chocolate bars as a rare and cherished indulgence for those fortunate enough to get their hands on them.

I remember my mother used to tell me that she would be shocked if she saw a Mars wrapper in the street, it was almost like finding a €50 note on the side of the road.

However, Malta’s story of chocolate doesn’t end on a sour note. In 1979, with help from international investors and local entrepreneur Albert Mizzi, the Catch chocolate bar was born.

This caramel-filled, crisp-rice delight became an instant hit, filling the void left by imported chocolates.
Today, Catch is no longer produced in Malta but has expanded its reach globally, proving that the Maltese chocolate stories is not one of scarcity, but of adaptation and success.

From the days of smuggling chocolate to today’s endless options, Malta’s chocolate story reminds us of a cautionary tale of the impact of economic protectionism on our taste buds.

Should Desserta make a comeback?

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Emma Brownrigg Fenech

Emma is currently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Journalism, driven by a passion for local politics. In her free time she’s probably buried in a thought-provoking book on philosophy or politics, always chasing fresh ideas and debates.