“This competition gives consumers and business owners the opportunity to strengthen their relationship. In fact, the aim of this competition is to promote business practices beneficial to the consumer”, Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said during the launch of ‘Premju Servizz bi Tbissima’ in the presence of Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority Chairperson Helga Pizzuto.

With this competition business owners who abide by consumer protection laws and offer consumers extra help which goes further than legally imposed, will be duly recognised.

“Consumer loyalty plays an important role in the future of a business and determinates whether it prospers or fails. Nowadays, we are facing a strong competition in the market, both from local business owners as well as international ones, and the consumer has become much more powerful”, the Parliamentary Secretary said.

MCCAA Chairperson Helga Pizzuto said this award reflects the importance the Authority gives to a better and stronger relationship between consumers and traders, leading to fewer disputes between the two. The MCCAA has seen a significant decrease in complaints with disputes figures falling by 25% in three (3) years. This indicates an increased awareness of consumer rights and a healthy competition to the benefit of consumers.

Ing. Pizzuto explained that as last year’s edition, this year’s competition covers five main categories of sellers. These are online local sellers, businesses offering services within the travelling sector, businesses selling electronic products and household goods, supermarkets and minimarkets, and retail outlets providing products and services in fashion and beauty. The competition may be accessed through the MCCAA Facebook page or website www.mccaa.org.mt. The competition period is open from Thursday 24 May 2018 till Wednesday 4 July 2018. 

 Deo Debattista encouraged consumers to participate in this competition and local companies to promote it. “This competition should be a tool with which we recognise the best local companies, and should also encourage more companies to improve their services as this, undoubtedly, results in further economic success”, concluded the Parliamentary Secretary.