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.
Cooking
Savour July: Exceptional dining awaits at Barceló Nasandhura Male

Located in the vibrant heart of Malé, Barceló Nasandhura is fast becoming a sought-after destination for dining, casual coffee catchups, and laid-back city experiences. This July, guests are invited to indulge in a series of exclusive promotions across the hotel’s distinctive food and beverage outlets, the perfect opportunity to discover what’s on offer.
At Oivaru, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant located on the 3rd Floor, guests can treat themselves to an irresistible Chocolate Dessert Station, available during dinner service from 4th to 7th July only. A decadent addition to the renowned international buffet, it promises to satisfy every sweet tooth. To complement the dining experience, enjoy live music on selected evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, flavorful night out.
To mark World Chocolate Day on 7th July, a special Chocolate Indulgence Station will be set up in the Nasandhura Lobby from 4 PM to 8 PM. Featuring free tastings and handcrafted desserts by the hotel’s renowned pastry chef, the experience is open to all guests and walk-ins. Guests can also purchase limited-edition treats while enjoying a beautifully styled chocolate-themed setup designed for sweet moments and social sharing.
Alimas Coffee Lounge is the ideal spot to escape the city heat. From 20th to 26th July, enjoy 10% off all ice creams, making it the perfect excuse to cool down with a sweet treat in style.
For those seeking elevated views and an unforgettable ambience, B.Heaven, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, offers signature mocktails and light bites, best savored with panoramic sunset vistas. On selected evenings, the energy rises with live DJ performances, making it the perfect setting to unwind, socialize, or celebrate under the stars.
This July, Barceló Nasandhura invites you to experience a taste of Malé’s most exciting culinary and social destination.
Featured
JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.
Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.
As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”
Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.
Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”
This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.
Cooking
Jumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes Shimmers’ Chef Emanuele for exclusive culinary residency this July

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced a culinary residency in collaboration with Chef Emanuele De Leo, Head Chef of the award-winning Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam in Dubai. Taking place from 7 to 10 July 2025, this exclusive experience will bring the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to the Maldives through a specially curated tasting-style menu.
Following a stint as Sous Chef at L’Olivo at Al Mahara, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Chef Emanuele took up his position as Head Chef at Shimmers in 2023. There, he leads the kitchen, where his menu pays homage to his Sicilian heritage, while embracing bold, contemporary interpretations of classic Mediterranean cuisine. Under his direction, Shimmers has earned recognition from Gault&Millau UAE in 2025, a testament of the restaurant’s elevated dining experience and Chef Emanuele’s distinctive culinary vision. With a strong focus on seasonality, he draws inspiration from the freshest market produce, transforming each ingredient into flavour-driven, elegantly presented creations.

For his residency at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Chef Emanuele has crafted a bespoke menu that fuses Greek influences with his Sicilian roots, showcasing refined coastal flavours and thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients. In true Shimmers fashion, the evening will be presented as a series of small, shareable plates, designed to bring guests together around the table. Highlights include a fresh cauliflower salad, zingy tuna tartare, and grilled octopus with Santorini fava. These are followed by indulgent mains such as slow-braised beef cheek paired with celery purée and red wine jus, alongside orzo with red prawns, lemon, and caviar. The experience concludes, with a duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and orange crème brûlée, offering a refreshing and indulgent finale.
The exclusive dinner experience with Chef Emanuele is priced at USD 195 plus taxes per person. For more information or to reserve, visit the Jumeirah Olhahali Island website here.
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