One of the largest gatherings of food and hospitality industry in Maldives was inaugurated on May 8 by Maldives Minister of State for Tourism in national capital Male.

Minister of State for Tourism of Maldives Ahmed Salih inaugurated the Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) Global Culinary Challenge and Exhibition that began on Monday at Hulhumale Central Park in the capital Male. 

According to a press statement, the event, organised by Dhivehi Expo Services in conjunction with CDC Events and Travel of Sri Lanka, and is set to be the largest gathering of industry professionals in the Maldives this year.

 

In the statement, the organisers say that they were honoured to welcome their esteemed guests, including Ahmed Salih the Minister of State for Tourism, and High Commissioners from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, as well as Amir Mansoor, Managing Director of Lily International, which is the principal sponsor of the event. In addition, senior officials from Dhivehi Expo and CDC events were also present at the inauguration of the event.

In his address, Salih highlighted the importance of events such as FHAM. The statement adds that the minister praised the organisers for their efforts in bringing together top local and regional names for the event under one roof and providing a platform for them to network, showcase their products and services and create new business connections.

The statement adds that Mansoor expressed his pleasure in sponsoring the event since its inception. “This event is the premier platform for F&B and tourism professionals from around the world. In this regard, Lily International is showcasing major brands at its stand in the event, demonstrating our commitment to the industry,” Mansoor said.

The statement adds that Event Director of Dhivehi Expo, Mohamed Bassam Adam said this year there was an overwhelming support by exhibitors. He expressed hope for a lucrative gathering and successful event for all participants and cited aspirations for even a bigger event with more participants for both the exhibition and culinary challenge next year. 

The statement adds that this year’s exhibition is bigger and better than ever before, with over 110 stalls representing more than 50 companies from local, regional and international markets. The exhibition showcases a wide range of products and services offered by international and local companies to the tourism industry of the Maldives, including food and beverage, kitchen equipment and systems, amenities, cutlery and crockery, furniture, and much more.

The main highlight of FHAM is the International Culinary Challenge, which attracts over 500 chefs from almost all resorts and hotels in the Maldives. The event is endorsed and certified by the World Association of Chefs and Society (WACS) and is organised in partnership with Chef Guilds of Maldives (CGM) and Chef Guilds of Lanka (CGL). This year’s competition features over 600 participants, 11 national teams, and over 120 resorts competing in 21 categories, says the statement. The FHAM International Culinary Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for chefs to showcase their skills and creativity while competing for prestigious awards. The competition is judged by a panel of renowned chefs from around the world, ensuring that only the best of the best are awarded the top prizes.

“We are excited to see the overwhelming support from exhibitors and attendees and hope for a lucrative gathering and successful event for all participants. FHAM is a fantastic event that brings together the very best of the hospitality industry in the Maldives. It provides an excellent platform for companies to showcase their products and services and for chefs to showcase their culinary skills. With the support of the government and industry leaders, FHAM promises to continue to grow and evolve, cementing its position as the leading hospitality event in the Maldives,” add the organisers in the press statement.