Food
BBM launches American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise in Maldives
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), at the forefront of culinary innovation in the Maldives, has announced the launch of American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise, a condiment that redefines the benchmarks for taste, consistency, and culinary adaptability. Steering this exciting launch is BBM’s Marketing Head, Praval Kumar, a marketing professional with over a decade of sales and marketing experience within the FMCG and food and beverage sectors. With a storied career that spans across leading brands such as leading multinationals in India and Sri Lanka, Kumar’s expertise is set to position American Specialty Mayonnaise as a leader in the premium condiment market in the Maldives.
We delve into a comprehensive Q&A with Praval Kumar, exploring the vision behind introducing this culinary marvel to the Maldivian market.
Q: What makes American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise stand out in the competitive culinary market?
A: American Specialty mayonnaise is not just a condiment; it’s a testament to culinary excellence. Crafted from premium ingredients, including egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and select seasonings, it offers a velvety smooth texture and a luxurious mouthfeel that enhances every dish. What truly sets it apart from the leading competitors in the region is its robust consistency, utility for professional kitchens where durability and flavor are paramount.
Q: How does this mayonnaise benefit chefs and culinary professionals in the Maldives?
A: The Maldives is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, and our premium heavy-duty mayonnaise is designed to meet the high standards of this market. In a landscape which is heavily dominated by tourists in resorts, American Specialty Mayo’s superior binding and stability make it perfect for a wide range of culinary applications, from gourmet dressings to exquisite dips. The balance of savory and tangy flavors provides a versatile base that encourages culinary creativity, enabling chefs to elevate their dishes to new heights.
Q: Can you speak to the quality and production standards of American Specialty Mayonnaise?
A: Absolutely. Made in US, the American Specialty mayonnaise is produced in state-of-the-art facilities, adhering to the highest quality control measures. Every step, from sourcing premium ingredients to rigorous production protocols, is meticulously monitored. This ensures consistency, freshness, and the exceptional taste that American Specialty is known for. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, which is reflected in every jar of this premium heavy-duty mayonnaise.
Q: With the diverse culinary landscape of the Maldives, how versatile is the use of this mayonnaise?
A: The culinary landscape in Maldives in hugely diversified due to large number of tourists visiting the country from across the globe. These tourists have varied taste preferences and expectations. American Specialty mayonnaise is incredibly adaptable, seamlessly integrating into various culinary traditions. Whether it’s being used as a base for a delicate salad dressing, a rich spread for sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for a range of appetizers, its ability to enhance flavor profiles makes it a staple in any kitchen. It’s this versatility that we believe will make American Specialty a favored choice among Maldivian resort chefs as well as hotels and cafes in the mainland.
Q: What are BBM’s expectations with the launch of American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise in the Maldives?
A: BBM is excited to bring a product of such high caliber to the Maldives. We anticipate that American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise will become an essential ingredient for the chefs across resorts owing to its quality, flavor, and versatility. Our goal is to support the culinary industry by providing products that inspire creativity and excellence in the kitchen.
Q: What sustainability initiatives are in place for the production of American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise?
A: Sustainability is at the heart of American Specialty productions. For the production of this premium heavy-duty mayonnaise, the team engages in ethical sourcing of ingredients, ensuring that the eggs come from farms that prioritize animal welfare, and the oils are sourced from sustainable plantations. Additionally, the manufacturing processes are designed to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption, aligning with the commitment to environmental stewardship.
Q: How does American Specialty Mayonnaise cater to the evolving tastes of the Maldivian market?
A: The Maldivian market is unique and blends local flavors with international influences. Recognizing this, the mayonnaise is crafted to be both versatile and adaptable, serving as the perfect base for a multitude of culinary creations. Whether it’s incorporating local seafood delicacies or enhancing international gourmet dishes, our mayonnaise is designed to complement and elevate the diverse palate of the Maldivian cuisine.
Q: How does American Specialty ensure the highest level of food safety in its mayonnaise production?
A: Food safety is paramount in the production process. The team adheres to rigorous international food safety standards and certifications, to ensure that the mayonnaise meets the highest safety and quality criteria. From the selection of ingredients to the final packaging, every step of the process is subject to strict quality control measures, including regular audits and inspections, to guarantee the safety and integrity of our products.
Q: Can you provide some innovative culinary applications for American Specialty Premium Heavy-Duty Mayonnaise in Maldivian cuisine?
A: Absolutely! This mayonnaise is a culinary chameleon, adept at enhancing traditional Maldivian dishes and creating innovative new flavors. For instance, it can be used to create a sumptuous base for traditional Maldivian tuna salads, add a creamy texture to curries without altering their spicy profile, or even as a secret ingredient in tropical fruit-based desserts for a subtle richness. Its robust structure makes it ideal for creating artful presentations, such as stabilized sauces and dressings that maintain their integrity in the tropical heat.
You & Me Maldives, the intimate adults-only island retreat in Raa Atoll, is set to present an exceptional culinary journey as part of its highly anticipated Gourmet Week, taking place from 02 to 09 May 2026, featuring the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton.
Set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, this exclusive week-long celebration invites guests to experience the art of fine dining through a curated series of immersive culinary moments, where refined technique meets the natural beauty of the island.
Chef Berton will personally host two signature evenings, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience his distinctive culinary philosophy in an intimate and inspiring setting. On 04 May, guests will be welcomed to a unique dining experience at Green Carpet, where nature and gastronomy come together in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. This will be followed by an elegant evening on 06 May at Sand, where the ambiance of the island’s refined beachfront setting enhances the overall dining journey.
More than just a dining event, Gourmet Week at You & Me Maldives is designed as a holistic experience bringing together exceptional cuisine, thoughtfully curated settings, and the signature warmth of Maldivian hospitality. Each moment is crafted to create a deeper connection between guests, the destination, and the artistry of one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs.
Nestled in a secluded corner of Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives is known for its focus on privacy, romance, and unforgettable experiences, making it the perfect setting for such an exclusive collaboration. With its distinctive dining concepts, including the iconic H2O Underwater Restaurant, the resort continues to elevate the culinary landscape of the Maldives.
This special Gourmet Week reflects The Cocoon Collection’s ongoing commitment to delivering unique, world-class experiences that go beyond the ordinary, offering guests moments that are both memorable and meaningful.
From 16th to 18th April 2026, CROSSROADS Maldives once again became the epicentre of global culinary excellence as it hosted the second chapter of the exclusive “No Guests, Just Chefs” event. Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, this unique gathering brought together around ten Michelin-starred chefs from across the world for a private, immersive adventure designed purely for connection, creativity, and relaxation.
Curated by award-winning Chef Dharshan Munidasa, the concept was simple yet powerful, an invitation extended to fellow chefs to come to the Maldives, not to perform, but to unwind, socialise, and celebrate their craft. Hosted across his renowned restaurants, Ministry of Crab, Carne Diem, and Nihonbashi Blue at The Marina, the event created an intimate space where culinary talents could meet under the same roof and enjoy each other’s company away from the demands of their kitchens.
Reflecting on the journey, Chef Dharshan shared, “This is not about performance, it’s about connection. It’s about good food, good wine, and good company. This is what travelling to the Maldives to truly unwind should look like.” He further explained that the idea behind the event was also to introduce the Maldives in a different light, showcasing not only its natural beauty, but also the vibrant lifestyle and culinary offerings available at CROSSROADS Maldives and across his three restaurants within the destination.
Chef Dharshan expressed his appreciation to all participating chefs and extended his gratitude to the three partner resorts, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives for their role in hosting guests at their event. Special acknowledgement was given to the leadership teams, including General Manager Alex Traeger of SAii Lagoon Maldives, General Manager Frederic Lebegue and General Manager Olivier Moies-Delval of SO/ Maldives, whose collaboration ensured a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.
Sharing his thoughts on the event, Alex Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, said, “We are delighted to welcome more gatherings like this at SAii Lagoon Maldives, where guests can seamlessly blend holiday, work, and meaningful connections. Events like ‘No Guests, Just Chefs’ truly reflect the spirit of CROSSROADS Maldives, bringing people together to experience, unwind, and create unforgettable moments in one vibrant destination.”
The event also highlighted what makes CROSSROADS Maldives truly distinctive. Participating chefs were hosted across Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives, and SO/ Maldives, experiencing the destination’s signature split-stay concept, a seamless integration of different resort styles within one connected location. This allowed them to move effortlessly between accommodation, dining venues, and leisure experiences without the logistical challenges typically associated with multi-venue events.
According to Chef Dharshan, this ease of movement and proximity is what sets CROSSROADS apart. “With the close proximity of restaurants, accommodation, and extraordinary moments, this is the only place that could truly host an event like this,” he noted. The concept not only fosters collaboration but also allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the destination without disruption.
Beyond the kitchens, the chefs embraced the full CROSSROADS lifestyle, from curated dining journeys at The Marina to water sports excursions and leisure activities. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the destination offers both convenience and a sense of escape, making it ideal for niche, high-profile gatherings that combine creativity with relaxation.
At the heart of it all lies The Marina, a lively hub of dining, entertainment, and social energy, often described as the “Maldivian Riviera.” It is here that guests can enjoy a vibrant mix of rare moments, from world-class cuisine to lifestyle and retail offerings, all within one dynamic setting.
The success of this second chapter has already paved the way for the future, with Chef Dharshan confirming plans to host the event again next year. More than just a culinary gathering, “No Guests, Just Chefs” stands as a testament to CROSSROADS Maldives’ ability to redefine destination experiences where hospitality, gastronomy, and community come together seamlessly.
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
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