The largest annual event of the Maldives tourism industry returns later this month after a two-year hiatus forced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives Exhibition is due to take place from 28 to 30 August at the Central Park in Hulhumalé. As in previous years, the International Culinary Challenge will be held concurrently with the trade fair.
More than 100 exhibitors from 30 countries will showcase over 10,000 products, according to the event organiser, which aims to connect buyers from over 100 resorts with suppliers and service providers from top local and global companies. The products on display will range from kitchen equipment to furniture.
More than 500 chefs from resorts, hotels and restaurants across the Maldives will compete in this year’s International Culinary Challenge, a prestigious event endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and held in partnership with the Chefs Guild of Maldives and Chefs Guild of Lanka.
The best chef stands to win a US$1,000 prize and the best pastry chef will earn an all-expenses-paid overseas training programme. Some 11 resorts will meanwhile face off for the title of ‘Best Culinary Establishment,’ a new category introduced for this year’s event. The panel of judges will include top international and local chefs.
A Barista Competition, Housekeeping Competition and Cocktail Competition will also be held on the sidelines of the exhibition.
FHAM 2022 is conducted by local event organiser Dhivehi Expo Services with its partner CDC Events and Travel of Sri Lanka in association with the Maldives National University’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies and the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry with support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Economic Development.
