BBM Chief Operating Officer

A.V.S. appointed as BBM’s new Chief Operating Officer

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Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is pleased to announce the appointment of A.V.S. Subrahmanyam as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With over 25 years of experience in international business development, marketing and sales, A.V.S. has rich insights into consumers, organisations and business environments. He is widely travelled, having previously completed expat managerial assignments in Russia, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka and Fiji, and is accustomed to leading business teams in multi-cultural environments serving in key managerial positions in organizations such as HJ Heinz and Britannia. A.V.S holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, preceded by an MA (Sociology) – both degrees from premier institutions.

“I am a Sociologist at heart – I am curious by nature and appreciate the distinctiveness of cultures and societies. The Maldives, with its distinct peoples and being a melting pot of cultures with tourist influx from all over the world – would be fascinating.”

“Tourism industry is the backbone of Maldivian economy; and BBM is the undisputed No. 1 player in this space – thru supplies to resorts. BBM is the ‘Authorised Distributor’ for many companies (including Unilever) encompassing globally reputed brands. We intend to leverage this unique and strategic position to offer a more wholesome supply portfolio to our customers.”

“We aim to be a one-stop-supplier of high-quality products to resorts. You would see an even more proactive BBM (supported by our world-class Principals) when it comes to customer service – including training and inclusion to key technical professionals of resorts. ‘Mutual growth’ would be our mantra with resort customers.”

A.V.S. Subrahmanyam

BBM Chief Operating Officer

Maldives Mixologist Bestbuy

Meet our Mixologist – Sahan Weerasinghe

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Mixology is far more than a perfectly mixed drink, it’s an unpredictable journey of the senses and Bestbuy Maldives’ Sahan Weerasinghe is leading the way.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Sahan started his working life in the hospitality industry as a kitchen apprentice; he later went on to study Hospitality Management but it was when he was offered a position as a trainee bartender that his passion for mixology was ignited. A true perfectionist, Sahan was always experimenting with ingredients, flavours and techniques; constantly raising the bar and wowing his customers. He gives credit to his former manager, Chef Rohan Fernadopulle, for giving him the opportunity that changed his life and for “always guiding him ever since.”

Sahan is held in high regard as a Mixologist, having made a name for himself internationally by honing his skills at various influential trade shows and competitions. His biggest triumphant was taking home the National Bartender of the Year Award in 2018. Amongst many more wins, he says winning the ‘Most Innovative Mocktail’ in 2018 is one of the most monumental and highlighted moments of his career. As great as it is to win awards and competitions, Sahan expresses that the greatest satisfaction in his profession is seeing the infinite smile on his customer’s faces and seeing them relish the drinks he makes.

Sahan moved to the Maldives on the 1st of January 2019 and is now working as a Mixologist at Bestbuy Maldives (BBM). Mohamed Mazloom, the CEO of BBM, believes that hiring people of such expertise is essential to further diversify the company’s food and beverage brands. “We are determined to refine the culinary industry in the Maldives and always looking for room to manoeuvre by thinking divergently” he says.

Through his art and creativity, not to mention his dedication and passion for mixology, Sahan is set to help elevate the level of bartending in the Maldives.

Ravifruit Maldives

Ravifruit: Premium frozen fruits and purees

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Ravifruit has been providing delightful frozen fruits and fruit purees since 1981. A highly sought after brand, Ravifruit is associated with Kerry Foods, a company that handles other famous food brands such as DaVinci Gourmet. Both DaVinci Gourmet and Ravifruit are imported and distributed in the Maldives by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM).

The man behind Ravifruit

The mastermind behind this successful brand is the French-born chef Jean François Devineau who serves as the Responsible Technique Pâtissier Glacier and Market Application Pastry Chef Manager overseeing the Ravifruit production process. His expertise as a chef is applied to every fruit preservation and puree manufacturing process, as well as demonstrating how to use Ravifruit to highly esteemed kitchen staff around the world. At a time in the fine dining world when many chefs are advocating the use of fresh produce, Ravifruit presents itself as a highly desirable option.

Why choose Ravifruit?

  • Each container is filled with IQF (Individually Quickly Frozen) fruits, it can be readily used to add flavour to mousses, creamers, desserts and beverages
  • Unlike fresh ingredients, which are seasonal, Ravifruit is consistently available regardless of the time of the year or location
  • Consistent and distinct taste makes it easier to work with when preparing various desserts and beverages. The primary ingredients for Ravifruit come from all around the world with the fruits being chosen for their distinct and unique flavours having been grown in their native environments
  • At every stage of production, Chef François and his team ensure that all activities, from harvesting and preserving to packing, follow best practices. It’s quality over quantity every time
  • All of the factory processes are approved by halal, kosher and ISO
  • Ravifruit products are packed in square tubs of one kilogram which is ideal for using in the kitchen as it is easier to store and carry

A decade for Ravifruit in Maldives

It has been over a decade since Ravifruit was first introduced to the Maldives, through its partnership with BBM. Over the years, chefs from different parts of the world have come to the Maldives, bringing their experience, culture and skills acquired throughout their careers along with their experience with Ravifruit. This has led to an increased demand for Ravifruit products.

“Infusing this to the corporate doctrine, the company facilitates a diverse range of industry training and exchange programmes for training and industry exposure to enhance this industry in line with the best in the world,” says Mohamed Mazloom, the CEO of BBM, who leads the operation at BBM with a philosophy of celebrating the best in the industry.

Chef François visits different resorts in the Maldives to conduct demonstrative workshops and share his expertise in the application of Ravifruit products. Besides marketing its products through these workshops, Ravifruit seeks to promote the culinary industry in the Maldives, as well as to promote the Maldives as a destination, for the culinary delights available in its hotels and resorts.

Find out more about Ravifruit or enquire about placing an order here: