He chose a unique location in the fashionable main street of Valletta, then called Strada Reale (later Kingsway and now Republic Street), which consisted of three areas: the front of the establishment was a “high class tobacconist shop” selling the finest imported tobacco products and Dunhill pipes. The middle room housed a very exclusive “sampling bar” which for many years was patronized by the top people of the island and senior officers of the Armed Forces - and the back room was the “office” where his main activity was that of ship chandler and supplier to ships especially those of the Royal Navy.

Charles Grech was succeeded by his sons, Philip and Joseph, who carried on the tradition and progressed to importing and distributing all over Malta and Gozo. They steered the firm through the dark years of World War II, and they were very proud of the fact that in spite of the bombs, it was ‘business as usual’ every single day.

In 1947, Charles, son of Philip joined the firm straight from law school to replace his father who had to retire for health reasons. Soon after, he was joined by his younger brother Godwin, and together they made an excellent team.

Suppliers were eager to appoint Charles Grech & Co. Ltd. as their sole agent and distributor, and today the House prides itself of an extensive portfolio which includes world famous brands from Heineken Export Group, Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide, Brown-Forman Wines International, Illva Saronno S.p.A., Marie Brizard & Roger Isnternational, Marnier Lapostolle, S.P.I. Spirits (Cyprus) Ltd., San Pellegrino S.p.A., Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., Patriarche Pere et Fils, Casa Vinicola Zonin S.p.A., Cantine San Marco s.n.c., Sogrape Vinhos de Portugal S.A., Carpene Malvolti S.p.A., Gallaher Hellas S.A., JT International S.A., Swisher International Inc., Altadis, Swedish Match Cigars B.V., Agio Sigarenfabrieken N.V., Fazi-Battaglia S.p.A., Louis Roederer Champagne, Delsey, Orleans International Inc., Murray-Frame & Love, Cheval Quancard & Habanos S.A.