Business

Coca-Cola in Maldives reaffirms commitment to sustainability

Published

3 years ago

June 5, 2022

On this World Environment Day, Coca-Cola in Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to play its part as a responsible business to help solve PET plastic waste pollution in Maldives and create a circular economy for plastic.

Every year, more than eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the oceans, with half of it having been used once and then discarded. According to an assessment of the socio-economic impact of the use of plastic bottles in the Maldives, conducted by NIG Capital in association with Maldives Ocean Plastic Alliance (MOPA), the total plastic footprint in the Maldives is approximately 12% of the total waste in the country, while PET bottles used in the beverages industry is about 10% of the total plastic waste, resulting in PET being approximately 1% of the total waste.

However, with the Maldives comprising 99 percent water and just one percent land – a geographical composition that causes any harm to the waters to echo throughout the islands. Coca-Cola does recognize that it has a responsibility to be part of the solution, and hence in 2018, The Coca-Cola Company launched an ambitious sustainable packaging initiative called World Without Waste to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one sold by 2030

In Maldives, Coca-Cola has been taking bold steps under the strategic pillars of Design, Collect and Partner to enable and promote solutions that effectively tackle plastic pollution, and create a circular economy around the use of its packaging.

Sprite, the iconic and much-loved beverage across generations, transformed its packaging from its famous green bottle to a clear package. Part of a global shift by Coca-Cola towards 100% recyclable packaging, the new clear/transparent Sprite PET bottle, launched in Maldives in September 2021, is 100% recyclable, and therefore increases the value of the plastic in the after-use market and its ability to remain in the circular economy to be re-used for different purposes. Bonaqua, the water brand of choice for Maldivians, has also moved to a clear bottle. With these two changes the entire Coca-Cola range of PET packs in Maldives is now available in more recyclable clear packaging.

Coca-Cola, through its local bottling partner Malé Aerated Water Company (MAWC), has also forged strong partnerships with local organisations that are involved in practical solutions to address plastic waste. Coca-Cola is one of the main partners of the Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) in its flagship Plastic Reverse Logistics Project and Island PET Collection Project, and is the sole partner in the NGO’s recently-launched Resort PET Collection.

“Together with The Coca-Cola Company, MAWC is taking steps to create a more sustainable and better shared future. We are committed to making a difference in people’s lives, communities and our planet by doing business the right way. We look forward to working with our partners to explore more ways to accelerate the circular economy for post-consumer PET bottles in the Maldives,” says Mr. Sanjay Maniku, Managing Director at Male’ Aerated Water Company.

Now in its second year, the Plastic Reverse Logistics Project and Island PET Collection Project see Coca-Cola voluntarily implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the Maldives to give a new life to the 100% recyclable and versatile PET plastic packaging. Through these projects, 45,800 Kgs of PET were collected in 2021. The projects are being expanded this year, with more islands and eateries being added to the collection initiatives.

“As a responsible global brand, Coca-Cola is committed to the principles of reducing waste, reusing and recycling resources and products. We our also committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we look forward to jointly working together with partners, and the government to create a circular economy in the Maldives,” concludes Mr. Pankaj Sinha, Managing Director for Coca-Cola in the Maldives.

In December 2021, Coca-Cola together with MOPA launched the Resort PET Collection Project to recover and recycle empty PET bottles from resorts across the archipelago, further expanding the initiatives to reduce our reliance on new plastic and ensuring bottles don’t enter the oceans. The new project counts five resort operators as its partners, and has resulted in close to 1,000 Kgs of PET in collection in just six months.

The collected PET bottles – the most widely recycled plastic in the world – are handed over to Parley Maldives to be recycled and upcycled into everyday items like branded footwear, swimwear and garments. These initiatives contribute to Coca-Cola’s vision to create a circular economy for plastic and a better shared future that makes a difference in people’s lives, communities, and our planet.

Coca-Cola in Maldives offers its products in packages suitable for all occasions, and in choices such as PET bottles, and returnable and non-returnable glass bottles. All of Coca-Cola’s packaging is 100% recyclable, and Coca-Cola remains committed towards a cleaner and pristine Maldives.

Business

BBM, Mamee Food Services partner to elevate Maldivian dining with Asian Cuisine Engagement Week

Published

2 weeks ago

June 30, 2025

m@ldives

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), a key supplier to the Maldives’ hospitality industry, in partnership with Mamee Food Services, has launched the Asian Cuisine Engagement Week. The programme, running from 29th June to 4th July 2025, is designed to introduce premium Asian sauces to the Maldives foodservice sector and upskill culinary professionals.

The official launch was held on Monday at BBM’s venue partner, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) at The Maldives National University (MNU). FHTS continues to be a key collaborator with BBM on industry events and culinary development. The event was attended by over 40 chefs from leading hotels and restaurants in Malé. Representatives from Mamee Food Services travelled to the Maldives to lead the session, which included live product demonstrations and technical training.

The focus of the initiative is the introduction of Mamee’s premium Asian sauces, including the Daebak range, which features a variety of Korean and East Asian flavours. The programme aims to support chefs in incorporating these new products into their menus, fostering innovation within commercial kitchens.

AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives, commented on the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to be a strategic partner for the culinary community in the Maldives. This collaboration with Mamee Food Services is a direct reflection of that commitment. By providing access to new products and facilitating hands-on training, we are investing in the skills of chefs and supporting the evolution of menu offerings across the country. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to continuously elevate the culinary standards in the Maldives.”

He added, “We believe that introducing high-quality, authentic Asian flavours through our partnership with a globally recognised brand like Mamee will provide a new dimension to the dining experience for tourists and locals alike. This reinforces BBM’s role as a trusted partner for global F&B brands seeking to make a mark in the Maldivian market.”

Jennifer Chee, Director of Food Service at Mamee Food Service, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Bestbuy Maldives to bring Mamee’s authentic Asian flavours to the vibrant culinary scene of the Maldives. This engagement week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our premium sauces, particularly the Daebak range, can inspire creativity and elevate dishes in professional kitchens.”

“We believe that by working directly with chefs and providing hands-on training, we can truly empower them to explore new culinary possibilities and deliver exceptional dining experiences to their guests. We look forward to seeing the innovative ways Maldivian chefs will incorporate our products.”

Following the launch in Malé, a dedicated follow-up session will be held at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi for resort-based chefs. This session will include participation from properties within the Atmosphere Core group, providing hands-on training focused on the scalable integration of Mamee products into commercial resort kitchens.

Throughout the week, the culinary team from BBM and Mamee will conduct on-site visits and tastings at selected restaurants in Malé, offering further technical support and guidance.

This joint initiative between BBM and Mamee Food Services is set to drive menu innovation and provide culinary professionals in the Maldives with the tools and skills needed to meet evolving consumer tastes.

Business

2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

Published

1 month ago

June 7, 2025

m@ldives

Maldives has welcomed its 1 millionth tourist of 2025 on 7th June 2025, the fastest that the country has achieved a million tourists in our nation’s history.

Kajal Singh, an Indian national, arrived in the Maldives today on IndiGo flight 6E 1131 at 12:55. She is visiting for her honeymoon at Bandos Maldives. This is her first trip to the Maldives.

Visit Maldives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a special celebratory event at Velana International Airport to commemorate this remarkable achievement.

“This milestone fills us with immense pride, reflecting the successful culmination of our destination marketing initiatives that showcase the true essence of the Maldivian experience,” stated Minister for Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. “Welcoming one million tourists with such unprecedented speed is a powerful indicator of our global appeal, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all the hardworking individuals across the tourism sector whose dedication made this achievement possible.”

In a gesture highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the one millionth visitor, Kajal, was invited to participate in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Kajal planted a tree at Hulhulé as part of this nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and promote a greener Maldives for future generations.

“This achievement is a clear indicator that we are well on our way to attaining H.E President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national tourist arrival target of 2.3 million for this year,” said CEO & MD of MMPRC Ibrahim Shiuree. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all our stakeholders, whose dedication and hard work are invaluable. Our commitment doesn’t end here; we are continually working to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry and ensure the Sunny Side of Life remains a dream destination for everyone.”

The arrival of the 1 millionth tourist in 2025 marks a proud moment for Maldivian tourism, symbolizing the robust momentum generated by MMPRC’s strategic promotional efforts. Building on the resounding success of the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where the Maldives captivated the global travel trade community with its powerful and immersive showcase, this milestone highlights the effectiveness of our enhanced global visibility and affirmed key industry partnerships.

Complementing these efforts, the ongoing comprehensive Summer Campaign, with its multi-market strategy spanning Europe and key international markets, is actively driving increased visibility and stimulating early bookings for both the summer and upcoming winter seasons. MMPRC’s marketing initiatives such as high-impact campaigns, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach are significantly enhancing the Maldives’ global brand, boosting booking confidence, and solidifying its position as a leading, year-round holiday destination.

Business

BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Published

2 months ago

May 13, 2025

m@ldives

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.

That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.

Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event

BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.

This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:

Watersports Personality of the Year
Diving Personality of the Year
Airport Representative of the Year
Resort Manager of the Year

These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.

Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence

For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).

This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.

To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:

2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim

Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.

Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent

BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:

HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative

Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer

Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:

Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics

These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.

Recognition with Purpose

BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.

“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”

Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.