Hotel Asia Maldives 2026 is recognizing the leading sponsors and industry partners supporting the 20th edition of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge.

The partnerships reflect a shared focus on strengthening the Maldives’ hospitality, food service, culinary and tourism industries through access to quality products, supply solutions, training and professional development.

Organized by Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services (MECS), Hotel Asia Maldives has developed into a major business-to-business platform connecting the hotel, resort, restaurant, catering and tourism industries.

The 2026 exhibition will be held from September 28 to 30 at the Synthetic Track in Hulhumalé, bringing together suppliers, hospitality decision-makers, chefs, purchasing professionals and international brands.

The International Culinary Challenge will run from September 27 to 30 at The Maldives National University in Malé and the Synthetic Track in Hulhumalé.

Bestbuy Maldives

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) returns as a Principal Sponsor of Hotel Asia Maldives, continuing its long-standing support for the exhibition and the International Culinary Challenge.

BBM has supported Hotel Asia since its early years, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for chefs to compete, gain professional recognition and learn from experienced international judges.

The company also sponsors several competition categories and major awards, including the BBM Chairman’s Trophy and the BBM Rising Talent Award. These awards recognize achievements among both established and emerging Maldivian culinary professionals.

Beyond Hotel Asia, BBM has supported the development of the culinary sector through sponsorship of international competitions for Maldivian chefs, initiatives supporting women and young chefs, and masterclasses conducted by international culinary professionals.

The company has also donated a model kitchen to MNU to support practical culinary education and training.

SAFCO

SAFCO joins Hotel Asia Maldives 2026 as the event's Diamond Sponsor.

Established in 1994, the UAE-based food-service and HORECA distributor has more than three decades of industry experience. Its portfolio covers gourmet products, pastry and bakery ingredients, dairy and cheese, meat and poultry, seafood, beverages, health and organic products, fresh produce, disposables and packaging.

SAFCO distributes products to more than 70 countries, represents more than 300 brands and manages a portfolio of over 25,000 stock-keeping units.

Its participation adds to Hotel Asia's international sourcing and distribution network, giving hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafes and catering businesses access to a wide selection of food-service products and operational solutions.

International Food Solution

International Food Solution (IFS) is joining the 2026 event as the Platinum Sponsor.

Led by Charles Augustine, the Maldivian food-supply company serves the HORECA and retail sectors with a range of international food and non-food brands.

Established in 2013, IFS supplies resorts, luxury hotels, restaurants and catering businesses. Its operations include dry and cold storage facilities, HACCP certification, a customer-focused distribution network and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé.

The company provides tailored supply solutions designed around the operational needs of businesses in the Maldivian hospitality and HORECA sectors.

Its sponsorship further supports Hotel Asia's focus on reliable supply chains and access to quality products for hospitality businesses.

Starkiss Gıda İthalat İhracat A.Ş.

Starkiss Gıda İthalat İhracat A.Ş. is participating as a Gold Sponsor of Hotel Asia Maldives 2026.

Based in Adana, Türkiye, the company supplies fresh produce and food products to professional kitchens, hotels, restaurants, public institutions and private hospitals.

Starkiss has supplied fresh produce to customers in the Maldives for around 10 years. The company also operates contract-based organic strawberry production across 975 decares in the Konya region.

At Hotel Asia 2026, Starkiss will showcase fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, jams and dried fruits, along with a new recyclable, thermally insulated packaging system designed to help protect fresh products during transportation.

The packaging uses specially designed thermal boxes to maintain product freshness and provide greater protection during delivery, addressing the needs of the local hospitality supply chain.

Starkiss is returning to Hotel Asia after participating in the exhibition last year, with a larger team and an expanded product range.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to meet Corporate Chef Fikret Özdemir, President of the Master Chefs Association in Türkiye, and discuss purchasing needs while learning more about the company's fresh-produce and packaging solutions.

The company aims to help hotels, restaurants, cafes and catering businesses meet more of their purchasing needs through a single supplier, supported by product variety, competitive pricing and a focus on service.

The combined support of BBM, SAFCO, IFS and Starkiss highlights the role of cooperation between suppliers, distributors, culinary professionals and hospitality businesses in developing the industry.

Through these partnerships, Hotel Asia Maldives aims to strengthen commercial connections, expand access to international products and expertise, support the development of young chefs and contribute to the continued growth of the Maldives as a global hospitality destination.