The 11th edition of Premju Servizz bi Tbissima (Service with a smile award) was officially launched by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) last Tuesday.
This annual competition aims to recognise and reward businesses that stand out for their commitment to excellent customer care and after-sales service.
During the launch, MCCAA executive chairperson Carmen Ciantar said that while the authority works continuously to safeguard consumers’ rights and strengthen confidence in the marketplace, it believes it is important to recognise and promote businesses that demonstrate commitment to excellence.
She added that the award aims to celebrate businesses that go the extra mile to deliver high-quality service and place the consumer at the heart of their operations.
The competition gives consumers the opportunity to express their appreciation for exceptional service by voting for their favourite sellers and encourages the latter to continuously improve their service standards.
In this year’s edition, consumers can vote across six main categories, namely:
• Fashion and beauty – Includes clothing, accessories and beauty products, as well as personal care services such as hairdressers, beauticians, nail technicians, spas and related services.
• Supermarkets and mini markets – This category covers all types of grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Electronic products and household goods – Includes appliances, furniture, home furnishings and all types of electronic devices.
• Local online sellers – Includes all local businesses that sell products and services through online platforms.
• Travel – This category mainly covers local travel agencies.
• Pet shops and gardening – Includes suppliers of pet care and gardening products and services.
Voting opened last Tuesday and runs until July 14, 2026.
Participants in the competition may vote for more than one business, including within the same category. However, each consumer may submit only one vote per individual seller within any given category, meaning that the same seller cannot be voted for more than once by the same consumer in the same category.
Voting may be carried out through the competition’s webpage.
Consumers who wish to participate but do not have access to digital platforms to vote online may contact the MCCAA and ask to be sent printed competition flyers for them to complete and return accordingly.
Voting for this year’s competition opened last Tuesday, June 16 and runs until July 14, 2026.
As an added incentive, the name of each participant who votes in the competition will automatically be entered into a lottery for a chance to win a €1,000 cash prize, which will be awarded at the end of the competition period.
After voting closes, the traders receiving the highest number of votes will undergo a vetting process to ensure compliance with the award’s code of conduct for businesses and the competition’s terms and conditions.
The code of conduct emphasises the importance of businesses fostering strong, customer-focused relationships.
It encourages traders to actively engage with consumers, understand their needs and offer suitable products or services. It also requires that any promotions, special offers or discounts be communicated clearly and transparently, avoiding misleading information.
Furthermore, traders are expected to provide effective after-sales support and handle complaints promptly and efficiently. The code also promotes the resolution of disputes through amicable dialogue and conciliation, rather than escalating matters to the Consumer Claims Tribunal.
The winners in the six categories will be announced at an award ceremony to be held in November 2026. Each category winner will receive a trophy and a certificate in recognition of their achievement.
In addition, winners will be allowed to display the Servizz bi Tbissima winner badge in their outlets and promotional materials, serving as a mark of excellence that reflects their commitment to high-quality customer service and enhances their reputation with consumers.
Consumers are encouraged to take part in the competition by casting their votes, while local companies are also invited to promote the initiative among their customers.
For queries and more information about Premju Servizz bi Tbissima, visit the competition webpage, e-mail [email protected] or call 2395 2000.
Odette Vella is director, consumer affairs, MCCAA.
