Local
Kudahuvadhoo showcases successful community-led waste management programme

Kudahuvadhoo, a fast-growing regional economic hub in the Maldives, is leading by example in leveraging community participation and partner resources to transition from a linear “use and dispose” method of waste management to a circular economy.
In September 2021, the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll became the debut host of a model island project launched by Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA). Together with key partners, Coca-Cola and its bottling partner in Maldives, Male Aerated Water Company, MOPA launched the ‘On the Ground, In the Sea: Waste Segregation Model Island Kudahuvadhoo’ programme in island.
“What we are implementing in our island will create greater opportunities for our people to take care of their environment. Even though we are pioneering this model island system with the generous support of our partners, our hope is that other islands in Dhaalu atoll and beyond will also join this initiative to create a circular economy for plastic waste and preserve our pristine environment,” says Ibrahim Fikury, President of Kudahuvadhoo Council.
To kick-off the initiative, MOPA provided collection bins to the island council. The Dhaalu Atoll Education Centre then hosted a community awareness and education programme on solid waste management, segregation at source, and recycling. Students from the centre, their guardians, and council members attended the session. Similar initiatives such as placing billboards at key locations of the island and hosting competitions for students about sustainability are held on an ongoing basis.
“Any initiative must transfer ownership of its resources, operations, and knowledge to the people; in this case, the people of Kudahuvadhoo, in order for it to be successful. This significantly increases the likelihood that any intervention will be sustained. That’s why we adopted a bottom-up approach,” says Thoriq Ibrahim, Founder and Chairman of MOPA.
“Kudahuvadhoo became the first island to fully comply with the new waste management regulation, including segregation at household levels. This a notable achievement.”
The programme, launched even before the Maldivian government mandated waste segregation at household level from June 2022, has seen over 1,000 bins supplied to the island. Each household is given two bins and four gunny bags to segregate waste into four main categories: organic waste, plastics, metal and glass, and other (mixed waste). This allows the island’s waste management centre to effectively collect and handle waste. The segregated waste is collected from households and taken to Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Centre (KWMC), operated by the island council, on a daily basis.
Since the project’s launch, 8.7 tonnes of plastic waste have been collected from Kudahuvadhoo. As the logistics partner of the project, Coca-Cola in Maldives supports MOPA in transporting the collected PET bottles from Kudahuvadhoo to capital Male. The PET bottles – the most widely recycled plastic in the world – are then handed over to Parley Maldives to be exported for recycling and upcycling into everyday items like branded footwear, swimwear and garments.
“Coca-Cola is committed to the principles of reducing waste, reusing and recycling resources and products. In Maldives, we have been taking bold steps under the strategic pillars of Design, Collect and Partner to create a circular economy around the use of our packaging,” says Pankaj Sinha, Managing Director for Coca-Cola in the Maldives.
“We are pleased to have forged strong partnerships with local organisations like MOPA that are involved in practical solutions to address plastic waste and to see the promising results of these partnerships.”
“Coca-Cola and MAWC are working to build a better, more sustainable future together. We are dedicated to improving people’s lives, communities, and the environment,” adds Sanjay Maniku, Managing Director at Male’ Aerated Water Company.
“The model island project in Kudahuvadhoo has proven how empowering communities to take action can make a difference in our efforts to create a circular economy around plastic. We look forward to supporting MOPA in expanding the model island programme.”
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
Cooking
BBM partners with Dreidoppel to host Chef Frankie Robin for pastry demo tour

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), a leading name in the distribution of premium food and non-food products in the Maldives, has announced the return of Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin for an exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour taking place from April 21 to 30, across 15+ luxury resorts in Raa Atoll and key HORECA venues in Malé.
Chef Frankie Robin, a classically trained French chef based in Malaysia, is known worldwide for his practical yet refined approach to modern pastry. This marks his second official tour in the Maldives with BBM and Dreidoppel, following a successful and widely praised round of pastry demonstrations in 2023.

This year’s hands-on sessions will focus on the smart use of Dreidoppel’s specialized product range – including Panettone, Caramel chocolate snacks, Dubai Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Muffins, Banana and Vanilla Mousse, Pineapple and Mango Custard, Fill and Gloss variations, Crème Brûlée, and bakery fillers – all tailored to help pastry kitchens save time, control costs, and elevate quality. Chef Frankie will highlight how chefs can gain both creative flexibility and operational efficiency using Dreidoppel’s trusted formulations.
“Our goal is to connect chefs with ideas and tools that drive excellence,” said AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM. “He speaks in speed, margin, and flavour. This is global pastry, made local.”

Founded in 1899 in Germany, Dreidoppel is a global pioneer in baking flavor innovation. A sister company to IREKS, both brands are renowned in the professional baking world for their technical reliability and premium-quality solutions. Dreidoppel serves pastry chefs in over 100 countries, offering ready-to-use components that maintain precision, taste, and consistency in high-pressure kitchen environments.
This Dreidoppel Demo Tour is part of BBM’s broader mission to continuously invest in the professional growth of Maldivian chefs and hospitality professionals. Through regular knowledge-sharing sessions, live product demos, and international collaborations, BBM provides local talent with access to global expertise.
As BBM celebrates its 35th anniversary, initiatives like these demonstrate why the company remains a trusted partner to the Maldives’ top resorts, hotels, and culinary institutions. BBM proudly represents over 70 international brands, including Unilever, IREKS, Ravifruit, San Benedetto, TWG, and Lamb Weston.

Founded in 1990, BBM is a leading distributor of food, beverage and non‑food products in the Maldives. Trusted by all operating resorts and over 70 global brands, BBM uses SAP Business One with HACCP‑certified warehouses island‑wide. With RAFEEQ, its AI agent, BBM now automates everything from requisitions to purchase orders. BBM remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering speed – safety – service without compromise.
For updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and upcoming culinary events, subscribe to BBM’s newsletter – Coconet Wireless.
Local
Dhiraagu to host Fuvahmulah Run 2025; registrations now open

Dhiraagu Fuvahmulah Run 2025 is now open for registrations.
For the first time ever, an edition of the Maldives’ largest and most anticipated run is coming to Fuvahmulah City, bringing an exciting new chapter to the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race (DMRR). Registrations are now open for the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon categories of Dhiraagu Fuvahmulah Run 2025.
Similar to DMRR, Dhiraagu Fuvahmulah Run will award attractive cash prizes for winners of different categories. The company has announced that at this year’s DFR, Dhiraagu will be awarding a total prize pool of MVR 232,000 amongst the winners.
The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, 2 May 2025, organised in collaboration with Fuvahmulah City Council, Women’s Development Committee of Fuvahmulah and the Athletics Association of Maldives. The race aims to promote Fuvahmulah as a promising running destination while fostering a vibrant running community in the Maldives.
Fuvahmulah is a one-island atoll, situated all on its own on the vast ocean in the south of Maldives, just below the equator. The island runs a length of 4.5 kilometre, making it one of the biggest in Maldives and is home to a living working community of more than 9000 people.
Fuvahmulah is a unique island in the Maldives, distinct from the country’s typical coral atolls due to its formation as a single island atoll. Located in the southern part of the archipelago, it is known for its diverse ecosystem, freshwater lakes, rich agricultural lands, and vibrant marine life. The island is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts, particularly for encounters with tiger sharks. Unlike other Maldivian islands, Fuvahmulah has a varied landscape with lush vegetation and rocky beaches, offering a different experience from the usual tropical island scenery. Its strong cultural heritage and close-knit community further add to its charm.
Participants of Dhiraagu Fuvahmulah Run 2025 can now register via www.dfr.mv and secure their spots in this historic race. Registrations will remain open until 28 February 2025 or until the allocated slots of 1,500 are reached.
The Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race is the first and only international run held in the Maldives, listed in the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) World Running Calendar with a World Athletics-certified race route. The expansion of the race to Fuvahmulah reflects Dhiraagu’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more active community and supporting local tourism by showcasing the unique beauty of the Maldives.
-
Family1 week ago
‘Bunnies Gone Wild’ becomes bold, Playboy-inspired Easter celebration at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort
-
Family1 week ago
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa unveils enhancements for Easter celebrations
-
Cooking1 week ago
Feast for senses: Evolving culinary canvas of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
Family1 week ago
Castaway Easter at RAAYA by Atmosphere
-
Action1 week ago
OBLU NATURE Helengeli, partners to celebrate inaugural Women’s Dive Month in July
-
News1 week ago
Celebrate a family fun summer at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
-
News5 days ago
Jennifer Aniston dreams of Maldives escape
-
News1 week ago
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives recognised as finalist in prestigious SPA Star Awards 2025