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Kunserva Factory (Gozo)

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Agriculture
—°10
Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)

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The Kunserva Factory in Xewkija, Gozo, operated by the Magro family, is the production hub of Malta's most famous agricultural staple: Kunserva. This traditional tomato paste is an essential ingredient in Maltese cuisine, manufactured since 1916 under strict quality guidelines. The production process kicks off during the peak summer heat when 100% Maltese and Gozitan-grown tomatoes are harvested. The tomatoes are reduced into a thick concentrate, with sea salt and sugar added to achieve the signature sweet-and-savory flavor profile that characterizes the product. The factory is a pillar of the Gozitan agricultural economy, maintaining long-term partnerships with hundreds of local farmers. Through its 'Savina' brand, the company also promotes artisanal heritage, showcasing traditional food preservation methods to visitors. Kunserva is more than just a pantry staple; it is a cultural icon that represents the historic practice of preserving the summer's bounty for year-round consumption. The factory remains a family-run enterprise committed to local sourcing and traditional recipes.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Kunserva Factory on Gozo is a major producer of 'Kunserva', a traditional Maltese tomato paste. It plays an important role in Maltese cuisine and local food craftsmanship.
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Visiting
The factory is usually not open to individual visitors, but groups can arrange a visit by appointment. There may be a factory shop with products for purchase.
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Where to view it
The factory is visible from the outside from the street, but the production process can only be seen inside. The surrounding area gives a typical insight into Gozo's industrial facilities.
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Local products
The main product is Kunserva, a thick, concentrated tomato paste used versatilely in Maltese cuisine. The factory shop often also sells other local canned goods and specialties.
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Active season
Production runs year-round, but the tomato season from July to September is the main time for processing fresh tomatoes. During this period the factory can be especially active.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with exploring the Gozitan countryside or the Victoria Citadel. Nearby are also Gozo's pretty bays such as Ramla Bay.

Geography

Coordinates
36.03900, 14.26100

Facts

  • The Magro family started the commercial production of Kunserva in 1916.
  • The factory uses only 100% locally grown Maltese and Gozitan tomatoes.
  • Authentic Maltese Kunserva must have a concentration level of 32%.
  • The facility supports the livelihoods of hundreds of small-scale local farmers.
  • The site is also home to the Savina Creativity Centre, focusing on artisanal food.
  • The traditional recipe includes sea salt and sugar to create its unique flavor.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Magro Food Village (Gozo)Magro Food Village (Gozo)<1 km · SWExplore →
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)2 km · NWExplore →
GħajnsielemGħajnsielem2 km · SEExplore →
Ta' Mena Estate (Gozo)Ta' Mena Estate (Gozo)2 km · NEExplore →
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)2 km · SWExplore →
Ta' Duna HillTa' Duna Hill2 km · WExplore →
NadurNadur2 km · EExplore →
KerċemKerċem3 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (10)

Pjazzetta l-Għammiedi

Small square in Xewkija, Gozo, surrounded by traditional houses.

Santa Verna Temple

Megalithic temple site in Malta, dating from the Neolithic.

Xewkija Rotunda Church

One of the largest domes in Europe, built between 1952 and 1978, visible from afar.

Xagħra Stone Circle

Archaeological site, a stone circle in Xagħra, Gozo.

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Victoria castle viewpoint

Viewpoint on the Victoria citadel overlooking Gozo.

Ta' Għejżu Prehistoric Cave

Cave in Malta with prehistoric finds.

Ġgantija Temples

Megalithic temple complex from the Neolithic on the island of Gozo.

Landy

Local attraction in Xagħra, Gozo.

It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija🏛 museum

Museum about the Ġgantija temples, displaying artefacts and history.

Ta' Kola Windmill🏛 museum

Windmill in Xagħra, Gozo, now a museum of milling.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Kunserva?
Kunserva is a traditional, sweetish Maltese tomato paste used in almost every household.
Can you visit the factory?
Magro Brothers in Xewkija offer tours through their 'Savina Creativity Centre', where you can see the production.
Are there other local products there?
Yes, besides Kunserva, cheese (Gbejniet), olive oil, honey, and liqueurs are also produced and sold.
When are the tomatoes for Kunserva harvested?
The tomato harvest primarily takes place in mid-summer, during July and August.
Is entry to the Savina Centre free?
Access to the shop and centre is usually free, though a small fee is often charged for guided factory tours.
Kunserva Factory (Gozo): where is it located?
Kunserva Factory (Gozo) is located in Malta.
Kunserva Factory (Gozo): what is there to see?
Highlights include Pjazzetta l-Għammiedi, Santa Verna Temple, Xewkija Rotunda Church.
Kunserva Factory (Gozo): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Kunserva Factory (Gozo): why is it worth visiting?
The Kunserva Factory in Xewkija, Gozo, operated by the Magro family, is the production hub of Malta's most famous agricultural staple: Kunserva.
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Nature

Lunzjata Valley Fountain (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Lunzjata Valley Fountain (Gozo)
A lush valley fed by a natural spring, keeping it green year-round.
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Mġarr ix-Xini Valley (Gozo)
A steep-sided valley leading to a secluded bay, used as a filming location for the movie 'By the Sea'.
Ramla Bay (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Ramla Bay (Gozo)
A large beach on Gozo, famous for its unique reddish sand.
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo)
A cave overlooking Ramla Bay, providing a famous photo spot.
Sanap Cliffs (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Sanap Cliffs (Gozo)
Spectacular cliffs on the south coast of Gozo with a coastal walking path.
Għajn Barrani Cliffs (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Għajn Barrani Cliffs (Gozo)
Remote and untouched clay cliffs between Ramla and Marsalforn.
Wied il-Għasri (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Wied il-Għasri (Gozo)
A secluded inlet cut like a fjord between high cliffs.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo)
A natural rock arch on the coast, similar to the collapsed Azure Window.

More places

Magro Food Village (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Magro Food Village (Gozo)
A food processing center that also offers tours and tastings of local products.
Xewkija Industrial Estate (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Xewkija Industrial Estate (Gozo)
The main industrial estate on the island of Gozo.
Gozo Cottage Products — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Gozo Cottage Products
A shop selling traditional Gozitan products like cheese (Ġbejna), honey, and jams.
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Fig Trees in Xaghra (Gozo)
The area around Xaghra is known for its fig trees and production of fig products.
Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Villa Rundle Gardens (Gozo)
A public garden in Victoria with a playground and many birds in aviaries.
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel)
A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.
Gozo Artisan Network — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Gozo Artisan Network
An initiative promoting local artisans and food producers on Gozo.
Ta&#39; Mena Estate (Gozo) — Kunserva Factory (Gozo) (Malta)
Ta' Mena Estate (Gozo)
An agritourism estate on Gozo that produces wine, olive oil, and other local products.