The Farsons Foundation has launched its latest publication Anthony Miceli-Farrugia: Random Collections and Memories 1914 – 2002, by Malcolm J. Naudi. The book, launched recently at the Farsons brewery, is a first-hand account of Anthony Miceli-Farrugia’s life and contribution to Maltese society over a span of 70 years.

Although Anthony Miceli-Farrugia, or Ninì, as he was affectionately known, was born in Malta, he was brought up and educated mainly in Messina where he lived with his parents, Marco Antonio Miceli and Erminia Farrugia. The book details the Malta links with the Miceli family dating back to 1800, as well as the family’s investment and lifelong connection with Farsons of which Anthony Miceli-Farrugia was Managing Director and subsequently, Chairman.

During the book launch, Bryan A Gera, Chairman of The Farsons Foundation, said “there are so many fascinating facets to Ninì’s life: his attraction to matters Maritime, his love of Opera, and his fond memories of his youth in Messina. But above all was his public spirit, founding and chairing various organisations both within the business sector and areas such as M.M.D.N.A., Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja and Friends of the Manoel Theatre. His contribution to society in this respect can be described as remarkable. Giving up his time to these organisations, for a businessman of his stature and involvement is the most generous contribution a person can make.”

Also speaking at the launch, Mr Louis A. Farrugia, Chairman of the Group Executive Board – Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, and cousin of Anthony Miceli-Farrugia, commented on several episodes recounted in the book and the influence that Anthony Miceli-Farrugia had on his own life, adding “Perhaps the most important part of his business career was his creation of Kinnie. He had obviously been influenced by drinking Chinotto in his early childhood and persuaded my father to launch a similar product in the early 50s. He did more than that. He actually sourced the supply of essence and made sure the taste suited local habits.

“Clearly he had a sensibility of which taste would be a success. I would say that along with Cisk it is the most important asset this Group owns. We are therefore all indebted to Ninì for this important innovation,” continued Mr Farrugia.

Mr Malcolm J. Naudi, author of the book, is a founder member and chairman of the Malta Institute of Journalists, a trustee of the Tumas Fenech Foundation for the Education of Journalists and a member of The Rotary Club Malta. Starting his career at 16 as a cub reporter in the newsroom of The Times of Malta, he was a full-time journalist until 2007, having worked in all the editorial departments. He was Deputy Editor of The Sunday Times for 16 years. In 2008 he set up his own communications company.

Established in 1995, The Farsons Foundation has supported research and publications of studies on Maltese culture, heritage and history.

The book Anthony Miceli-Farrugia: Random Collections and Memories 1914 – 2002 is published by The Farsons Foundation and printed by Gutenberg Press. It is available at leading booksellers.