From a Family Dream to a National Icon
From humble beginnings in Guardamangia to becoming one of Malta’s most beloved industrial success stories, the Wembley Ice Cream Factory legacy is a journey of resilience, innovation, family values, and entrepreneurship spanning nearly a century.
TIMELINE & MILESTONES
1914 — The Beginning of a Vision
- Born 110 years ago, Luke Gauci would later become the driving force behind Wembley.
- Salvatore Gauci entrusted five of his children — Luke, Manuel, Mark, Johnny, and Paul — with money to invest in an ice cream factory.
- Luke Gauci studied Food Technology and Refrigeration Engineering in England.
- The family also operated a bakery in Pietà.
- A plot of land in Gżira was purchased, featuring an Art Deco structure designed by Architect Antonio Grech Dimech.
1937 — The Birth of Wembley Ice Cream Factory
- Wembley Ice Cream Factory was officially established.
- The factory introduced Malta’s first “pasteurised and prepacked ice creams untouched by hand.”
- Equipped with cutting-edge machinery supplied by J&E Hall of Dartford and Creamery Package Company Ltd.
- Innovative “Stop Me and Try One” refrigerated tricycles became a local sensation.
- Hawkers supplied village feasts across Malta.
- Wembley quickly gained recognition, winning several awards in Great Britain.
1940s — Wartime Resilience
- During World War II, the factory was bombed and rebuilt twice.
- The government requisitioned the factory for the Communal Feeding Department.
- Luke Gauci used the facility to manufacture essential food products from available ingredients.
- Wembley operated as a “Victory Kitchen” supporting Malta’s food rationing system.
- 1940 also marked the birth of Guido Bonello Ghio.
1944–1949 — Rebuilding & Expansion
- Following the war, the factory was returned to the family with all licenses reinstated.
- Expansion phases followed:
- 1944 — 2nd section built
- 1947 — 3rd section built
- 1949 — Final section completed
- Production increased with new machinery and in-house manufacturing.
- Due to unstable electricity supply, Wembley operated its own generator known as “Ruston.”
1950s — Manufacturing Growth
Wembley expanded into multiple departments:
- Sugar confectionery
- Bakery products
- Pastries and cakes
- Candy and crystallised fruits
- Dry goods and dessert powders
The NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) became one of Wembley’s biggest customers.
In 1956, Guido Bonello Ghio joined the business as a truck boy and worked his way up.
1960s — The Golden Era of Wembley Ice Cream
Wembley launched many iconic products and novelties including:
- Eskimo
- Cassatta
- Calypso
- Cornettes
- Screwball
- Knicker Bocker Glory
- Tartufo
- Swiss Roll
- Ice cream cakes and tubs
- Granitas famous for their almond flavour
Family-inspired creations included Coppa Yvonne and Toto.
Wembley expanded distribution across Malta and Gozo using trucks, freezers, and merchant vessels such as the Golden Eagle and Imperial Eagle.
Additional ventures included:
- Cheese factory producing Wembley Ricotta
- Wembley Kiosk in Msida
- Real estate developments
- Apartments in Pietà and Guardamangia
- Hotel investments in Sliema
Many tenants included high-ranking British officers.
1970s — Diversification & Leadership
Luke Gauci became:
- Co-Founder and 1st President of the Federation of Industry (FOI)
- President of the Trade Fair Corporation
- Member of several important national and international boards and institutions
The Wembley group expanded into:
- Chocolate spreads and jams
- Fish farms
- Plastifoam Ltd (expanded polystyrene manufacturing)
- Major construction and insulation projects
- Importation of Italian window shutters
1980s — New Generations Join
- 1982 — Alberto joined Wembley as Production Manager.
- 1987 — Luke Bonello Ghio joined as Refrigeration Plant Manager.
- Wembley celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1987.
- The company became the Malta agent for Riva Yachts in 1988.
1990s — Changing Markets
The open market economy brought intense competition from foreign imports.
Wembley adapted by introducing:
- Zero Zero fat/sugar products
- Imported international brands such as Mars, Twix, Bounty, Motta, and Antica Gelateria del Corso
This era also highlighted the challenges of succession planning and changing market realities.
1998 marked the passing of Luke Gauci, who was awarded the Medalja Għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika by President Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
2000s — Difficult Years
- Several local factories closed during challenging economic periods.
- Luke Gauci passed away in 2012.
- Guido Bonello Ghio passed away in 2017.
- Discussions began regarding the future of the Wembley site and legacy.
2010s — Reimagining the Future
- Various redevelopment options were explored.
- A partnership agreement was signed with Turning Point Limited in 2017.
- Planning Authority processes began with the commitment to preserve the historic façade.
- Top architects and contractors in Malta were engaged for the project.
2020s — A New Chapter Begins
- Demolition works officially started on 11th February 2020.
- The project faced delays and challenges including Covid and heritage preservation requirements.
- The original façade remained protected under the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
- Construction is expected to take four years.
Looking Ahead — 2027 & Beyond
As Wembley approaches its 90th anniversary in 2027, the vision continues:
- Planning succession
- Preserving the legacy
- Exploring future ventures
- Reviving the passion for ice cream and gelateria culture
From wartime survival to industrial innovation, Wembley remains a symbol of Maltese entrepreneurship, resilience, and family heritage.
A story built on hard work, courage, and the belief that great things can be created from humble beginnings.
