Over 700 chefs to compete in FHAM Mega Culinary Challenge & Exhibition set for September

With one month remaining until the Maldives' largest hospitality trade exhibition, Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 is set to return from September 7^th to September 9th at the newly built Manhattan Grand Hotel in Hulhumalé, marking the venue's first major public event.

FHAM 2026 will be the inaugural event hosted at the Manhattan Grand Hotel, officially opening the doors of one of the Maldives' newest luxury hospitality properties. Featuring modern event facilities and purpose-built exhibition spaces, the hotel is expected to welcome hospitality professionals, exhibitors and industry stakeholders from across the Maldives and abroad. Organisers say the partnership reflects the continued growth and development of the country's hospitality sector.

Recognised as the Maldives' leading hospitality trade exhibition, FHAM 2026 will bring together more than 100 exhibitors, international brands, buyers representing over 120 resorts and hotels, and thousands of industry professionals during the three-day event. The exhibition is expected to serve as a platform for business networking, product launches and industry collaboration.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest developments in food and beverage, commercial kitchen equipment, hospitality technology, bakery and pastry, hotel amenities, housekeeping solutions, wellness products and other hospitality-related services. The event is expected to attract hotel owners, executive chefs, purchasing managers, food and beverage professionals and suppliers seeking to establish new business partnerships and connect with key decision-makers in the industry.

A major attraction of this year's exhibition will be the Global Culinary Challenge, the Maldives' only Worldchefs-endorsed national culinary competition. The competition will feature some of the country's leading chefs alongside regional culinary professionals competing across a range of live cooking and pastry categories. Other events scheduled during the exhibition include the Barista Championship, Mocktail Competition, Housekeeping and Bed Decoration Challenge, as well as several industry showcases highlighting professional excellence and emerging talent.

FHAM 2026 is supported by several industry partners. Lily International is the Title Sponsor, while Nestlé is the Main Sponsor of the Global Culinary Challenge. SIMDI has joined as Co-Sponsor, and Euro Marketing is the Main Sponsor of the Barista and Mocktail Championships. COSMERC will serve as the Official Digital Printing Partner, with MIFCO, Dunar, Nescafé and Maggi participating as Category Sponsors. Lavazza will support the Barista Championship as the Barista Sponsor.

With only a limited number of exhibition stalls still available and visitor registration now open, organizers say demand continues to grow as businesses secure their participation in the event. FHAM 2026 is expected to provide a key platform for companies to showcase products, explore new innovations, strengthen business partnerships and engage in discussions on the future of the Maldivian hospitality industry, while also marking the official public debut of the Manhattan Grand Hotel.