International Merchants is a family owned business that stretches its history back to 1983 when it was founded by the current Managing Director, Mr. Louis Cardona.  During the years, the company has established itself as a highly reputable and reliable distributor of quality products. Since the very beginning, the policy of IMCL was based on quality and service, and over the years, the company has built successful exclusivity agreements and strong relationships with major international companies.

The company still bears the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit imprinted by its founder.

One of the first products represented by the Company was Pratico, a top quality shoe polish, supplied by Pessi Guttalin of Italy. Within less then a year, through hard work, and intuitiveness, the company achieved number one position in the shoe care sector, beating Kiwi and Nugget brands, both of which have been long established here.

More recently, when Malta joined the European Union on 1^st May 2004, the company was entrusted with the introduction and distribution of a new top quality brand of Italian pasta.  Today, this brand is positioned as number three, just after Barilla and Agnesi, in a market consisting of more than forty different brands.  This is considered as a substantial achievement, especially when considering that the product has been in the market for just over a year.

IMCL also represents Caviro, which are by far the market leaders of the wine market in Italy.  In Malta, IMCL has been entrusted with the distribution of their key brands Tavernello, Castellino, Botte Buona and Volo Rosso.

IMCL's sales force is segmented into three. Three sales representatives cover all the grocers, supermarkets, and discount stores in Malta and the smaller sister island of Gozo. Two sales representatives visit the confectioners, bars, canteens and the pharmacy sector. And six sales representatives service the bars and restaurants.  In all, the company services around one thousand clients, most of which are visited fortnightly.  All key clients are visited at lease once every week. The company’s policy is to maintain a lead time of a maximum of 48 hours which is much appreciated by its clients.  This can be held well under control as the company owns its delivery system. 

The company is a firm believer that advertising and promotion enhance sales performance.  As such the company has invested in a Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, in-store merchandisers, promoters, TV and Press advertising, gift schemes, and donations.

 IMCL is one of the few companies in Malta to have its own billboards around the island.

International Merchants Co., Ltd is a Limited Liability company registered with the Malta Financial Services Authority, and established according to the Laws of Malta.  IMCL is also a financially stable company which is insurable for credit purposes.