Business
Coca-Cola commits new investments to Maldives
Coca-Cola, a total beverage company refreshing Maldivians with a wide range of beverages from soft drinks to water, is expanding its packaging offerings in Maldives with a new, first-of-its-kind canning line in the country. Launched as part of the company’s commitment to introduce sustainable packaging solutions, the new investment by Coca-Cola’s bottling partner in Maldives, Male’ Aerated Water Company, allows for the first time ever the company’s much-loved beverages to be packaged in cans manufactured directly in the island nation.
Coca-Cola is taking bold steps to enable and promote solutions that effectively tackle plastic pollution and create a circular economy around the use of its packaging. Sprite recently transformed its packaging from the famous green bottle to a clear one. It has a higher chance of being collected, recycled and reused, thus creating a circular solution for plastic in the Maldives. The entire beverage range offered by The Company is available in glass bottles too across Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes and Bon Aqua.
“At the Male’ Aerated Water Company, we are committed to creating economic opportunities through new investments. As we stay true to our aim of better serving consumers and the tourism sector, we are also keen to engage with the government in exploring ways to create a circular economy around our packaging and tackle plastic pollution in the Maldives,” said Mr. Sanjay Maniku, Managing Director of Male’ Aerated Water Company.
The canning line at Male’ Aerated Water Company’s bottling plant on the Thulusdhoo Island adds to Coca-Cola’s efforts to innovate and expand its packaging offerings in Maldives. Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Fanta Strawberry, and Schweppes ranges are now available in ‘Made in Maldives’ cans, in capacities of 330ml and 185ml.
In addition to the packaging transformations, Coca-Cola has also forged strong partnerships with local organisations that are involved in practical solutions to address plastic waste. Voluntarily implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Maldives, Coca-Cola together with its partners is giving a new life to the 100% recyclable and versatile PET plastic packaging through large scale collection efforts. 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 continues to foster sustainability initiatives through effective on-the-ground investments in PET collection and knowledge sharing to make the Maldives and the world a better place for all. We remain committed to investing in scalable models to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle our packaging,” said Mr. Pankaj Sinha, Managing Director for Coca-Cola in the Maldives.
Coca-Cola is one of the world’s most famous and best-loved brands and has been refreshing the world for 136 years. The Coca-Cola Company, through its bottling partner, Male’ Aerated Water Company, has introduced a range of hydrating and delicious beverages to Maldives, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Bon Aqua and Schweppes. The Coca-Cola brand has also sought to brighten consumers’ lives through a variety of engaging projects and activities.
Male’ Aerated Water Company began manufacturing beverages in Maldives and has been serving Coca-Cola products to people in the Maldives for over 32 years now. The company remains to date one of the few manufacturers in the Maldives. It is also a major job creator in the country with over 330+ employees working across a range of sectors from manufacturing and distribution to sales and marketing.
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 34th Annual General Meeting at Kurumba Maldives today, with a total of 100 members in attendance.
The day’s events began with a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar, who also presided over the session. The agenda included an address from the Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, the review and approval of the minutes of the 33rd AGM, the review and adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Reports for 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget, the appointment of auditors for 2024, the welcoming of new members and election of executive board members to the two vacant positions (by-election).
In the member discussion session, the following topics were covered: the Government’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2023 and renewable energy generation in the Tourism Industry, new terminal of Velana International Airport and developments, employment challenges, the Industrial Relations Act and trade unions, environmental conservation and the significance of creating and executing efficient management plans for protected areas like the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).
Following the official proceedings, the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Faisal and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed joined the forum. The Ministers provided remarks and engaged in a Member Q&A session. This session provided members with the chance to directly engage with the Ministers and delve into crucial industry topics. The queries focused on the Economic Outlook, forthcoming development plans and immediate challenges and issues affecting the Tourism Industry.
A video presentation was also showcased that delved into the extensive work undertaken by MATI in 2023. The video also touched upon the Tourism Industry’s performance over the past 5 years, as well as the current and projected human resource capacity of the sector.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing industry challenges and called for greater unison amongst industry stakeholders, ending with an acknowledgement of the promising start to the year in terms of arrivals.
Executive Board Members elected to the 2 vacant positions (by-election):
- Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
- Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
Join us for the Travel Creators Exchange 2024, taking place on February 1, 2024, at the Hotel Jen in Male’, Maldives.
This dynamic event provides a platform for networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators, fostering connections, idea-sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetise content.
Our lineup of distinguished speakers includes:
- Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, will present on “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” MMPRC actively markets the Maldives globally, utilising a comprehensive approach that includes travel trade shows, roadshows, digital marketing, and more.
- Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, brings over 23 years of hospitality industry experience. He will discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing,” drawing on expertise in revenue, customer service, sales & marketing, and human capital development.
- Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, with nearly two decades of experience, will shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record in sales, distribution, and marketing.
- Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator, will explore “Who is a Content Creator.” Currently associated with Various Arts Studio, he specialises in providing multimedia solutions to various clients.
Organised by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, this collaborative effort aims to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.
Events
Acclaimed contemporary artist Ana Pušica explores perpetuality and community at Patina Maldives
Ana Pušica Kramer, an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, joins Patina Maldives for an exclusive art residency in the now infamous Fari Art Atelier. From January 22 to February 22, 2024, Ana Pušica will grace the shores of the Fari Islands, weaving a vibrant narrative of colour and emotion across her larger than-life canvases.
Her artistry transcends boundaries, melding abstraction and figuration into awe-inspiring masterpieces. Having exhibited globally, from New York to Beijing, Ana’s paintings are a physical, intuitive act rooted in movement. Described as a “beautiful fluorescent thunderstorm,” Ana’s art explores light and colour, capturing the energy of life itself.
The Fari Art Atelier which has previously hosted the likes of Daniel Arsham, Chris Stamp and David Nott, will be transformed into Ana’s studio and gallery showcasing her enthralling artworks—a mesmerising journey through poetry, memory, and the vibrant interplay of colour. Guests at Patina are invited to delve into Ana’s world, where each stroke reveals layers of meaning, evoking sensations of intense lightness and boundless interpretation.
At Patina Maldives, Ana will immerse herself in a month-long residency, inviting the Patina Malidves community or guests and team to witness her artistic fervour firsthand. Guests will have the rare opportunity not only to observe her creative process but also to engage with and create art alongside this luminary.
Experience artistry at its most exclusive
Art Exhibition
Experience Ana’s captivating exploration of colour and emotion in her spellbinding artworks displayed at the Fari Atelier.
Art Workshops: Message in a Bottle
As part of a collaborative artwork, Ana invites Patina guests to participate in short workshops, actively contributing to the creation of a permanent installation at Patina Maldives.
Open Studio Session
Join Ana for an exclusive open studio session, offering guests a behind the-scenes look at her creative process.
Ana Pušica residency package
Discover a world where creativity knows no bounds as Ana Pušica, the maestro of contemporary art, transforms Patina Maldives into an immersive canvas of inspiration.
Book now to secure your experience.
For more information and reservations, please visit Patina Maldives or contact
reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com
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