Business
Coca-Cola and MAWC: Responsible business partner for Maldives
Ahmed Rasheed and his fellow students from K. Thulusdhoo Island School love football. Several days a week, after school, they gather at the island’s futsal ground, playing passionate, spirited matches. Dividing into teams, often based on favourite clubs or national teams, they bring the game to life, with Ahmed always choosing to support Brazil. Football has become a way of life, a shared joy that unites the youth of Thulusdhoo in friendship, teamwork, and competition.
However, their beloved futsal ground had started to fall apart. The artificial turf was worn out, creating uneven patches that made the surface risky to play on. The metal fence was rusted and broken in places, and the floodlights were old and dim, often flickering out just as the players prepared for an evening game. These conditions led to injuries and discouraged evening play, limiting what was one of the few leisure activities available on the island. With growing concern, the players turned to the school and island council, fearing the pitch would soon become unusable.
In response, the Thulusdhoo Island Council reached out to Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC), the local bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. MAWC, with its long-standing presence in Thulusdhoo, stepped in to sponsor the renovation of the futsal ground. With the company’s support, the turf was replaced , the fencing repaired , and modern, bright floodlights installed. This simple, effective upgrade brought new life to the futsal ground, creating a safe and inviting space for youth and residents to play. “Now we can play football without any worries or injuries,” said Ahmed. “This means a lot to us as it’s one of the few leisure activities on the island.”
Lasting Commitment to Community
This futsal ground renovation is just one example of MAWC’s sustained and heartfelt commitment to Thulusdhoo. Since the Coca-Cola bottling facility was established on the island over 30 years ago, MAWC has engaged in various projects that directly address the needs and well-being of the local community. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company has invested in education, infrastructure, water access, and recreational spaces for the people of Thulusdhoo.
According to Milind Derasari, Chief Operating Officer of MAWC, this commitment goes beyond business. “We’re proud to be a part of Thulusdhoo and are dedicated to making a positive impact here. Supporting the community enriches both our relationship with Thulusdhoo and our own business. We see this as an opportunity to grow alongside the island, contributing to its future and development,” Derasari explained.
Providing Essential Water Access
One of MAWC’s most essential contributions to Thulusdhoo has been addressing the island’s water scarcity issues. Since 2013, MAWC has provided free drinking water to the residents, meeting over 12% of the island’s total water demand. The company has set up and continues to maintains five strategically placed water distribution points at key locations, including government offices, the local school, and the hospital. This initiative has a tremendous impact on the local population, offering accessible, clean drinking water at no cost, which alleviates the island’s water challenges while supporting health and hygiene of the citizen’s and communities living in the island.
In addition to providing this vital resource, MAWC has also taken the opportunity to educate the community about water conservation. The company organizes awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to use water responsibly and highlighting the importance of water quality. This dual approach—offering both physical access to water and education about its conservation—has fostered a deeper understanding of sustainable resource use among residents, further strengthening the community’s relationship with Coca-Cola and MAWC.
Investing in Education and Infrastructure
MAWC’s commitment to Thulusdhoo’s development is evident in the wide range of projects it has funded over the years. In 2016, the company made a significant contribution of MVR 500,000 to the Thulusdhoo Island Council, designated for constructing a new pre-school. This investment in early education created an improved learning environment for over 100 children and their families. The new pre-school building was equipped with spacious classrooms, colourful furniture, and modern facilities that provide a nurturing space for young learners.
Two years later, MAWC further demonstrated its community-focused values by contributing funds to develop a children’s park on the island. The park, which includes a playground, garden, and fountain, has become a beloved recreational space for the island’s children. With the installation of fencing walls and seating areas, the park provides a safe, enjoyable space where families can gather and children can play freely. It has since become a central part of island life, with families often visiting together to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and spend quality time outdoors.
Supporting the Island Council’s CSR Initiatives
In addition to direct contributions, MAWC also supports Thulusdhoo Island Council’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund through regular monthly donations. This fund enables the council to allocate resources toward a variety of local development and welfare projects. With MAWC’s support, the CSR fund has been used to build a library, renovate a mosque, organize sports festivals, and support other essential community initiatives.
Aslam Moosa, President of Thulusdhoo Island Council, praised MAWC’s contributions, noting that “MAWC has been a consistent and reliable partner for us. They have supported our efforts to create a vibrant, healthy community, and we’re grateful for their generosity and the positive impact they have on our island. We look forward to continued collaboration with them in the future.”
Building a Deeper Partnership
Through its sustained community engagement, MAWC has become woven into the fabric of Thulusdhoo’s community life. The company’s comprehensive CSR program, which spans education, infrastructure, sports, water access, and cultural events, has not only uplifted the community but has also deepened the relationship between Coca-Cola and Thulusdhoo’s residents. For the people of Thulusdhoo, Coca-Cola is not just a brand; it has become a caring local partner, invested in the island’s progress and well-being. This strong partnership aligns with Coca-Cola’s broader mission to refresh the world and make a difference, demonstrating how businesses can create meaningful change through corporate responsibility.
“We’re committed to strengthening our ties with Thulusdhoo and supporting its prosperity,” added Derasari. “We see this island as our home and want to make it a better place for everyone. By investing in local initiatives and improving quality of life, we hope to continue making a positive impact here.”
In the eyes of the community, Coca-Cola and MAWC’s ongoing dedication to Thulusdhoo reflects a genuine, heartfelt commitment to the island’s development. As the partnership continues, both the residents and the company look forward to new projects and initiatives that will further enhance the quality of life on Thulusdhoo, fostering an enduring bond and a brighter future for the entire community.
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.
BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.
A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”
Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
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.
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