Maldives holds its first ever MONIN Cup

SIMDI Group, the exclusive distributor of the premium French-based syrup company MONIN, has held the 'Monin Cup' in Maldives for the first time.

Targeting mixologists working at resorts, this competition was held at a national scale to identify the best talent among participants and select a finalist who will represent Maldives at the International Monin Cup this year. Out of the 50 applicants, 15 finalists who qualified for the competition demonstrated their skills in front of the judges.

The judges panel for the competition that took place at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa included the MONIN Beverages Expert, Felipe Valencia Santander, Cluster General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, Corinna Luebbe as well as Influencer and Founder of Indulge Maldives Travel Agency and Indulge Thulusdhoo Cafe's co-owner, Kristie Lee Murray.

Eresta Diantara, a bartender employed at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, was crowned the winner of the competition. The position of first runner-up was awarded to Daniel Marcelo, employed at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, while Pratha Malhotra from Taj Exotica Resort and Spa secured the rank of second runner-up.

The winner of the competition will be offered the chance to represent Maldives in the International MONIN Cup 2024 held in France, while the second and third place winners will be given an exclusive visit to the Monin factory located in Malaysia.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition, Angelo Kerum, Trade and Marketing Manager for the Middle East, Asia, and the Subcontinent at MONIN, said that the MONIN Cup held in Maldives was one of the most notable competitions of all MONIN Cups held across the world so far. He also highlighted that the participants had demonstrated exceptional levels of mixology skills during the competition.

Managing Director of SIMDI Group, Mishal Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, stated that the company strives to introduce international-level events in the country. Recalling that the MONIN Cup was also part of this aim, he said that the event had strengthened the country's relations with the international community and showcased diverse skills from numerous young participants.

SIMDI had been distributing MONIN products to resorts and restaurants through their app before introducing MONIN's products on the shelves of their supply store, SIMDI Resu, in January this year to meet growing demands.