• Bestbuy Maldives Resort Supply Solutions

Our Story

Located in the Maldives, the tourism hotspot of the Indian Ocean, Bestbuy Maldives is one of the leading importers and distributors of premium international brands. We support the Maldivian hospitality industry by serving our customers with products from around the world with our signature high-level service.


In the beginning

In 1990
Our Chairman Mr. Ismail Hilmy incorporated Eastinvest Pvt Ltd. Bestbuy, the trading arm of Eastinvest, started securing agencies with world renowned regional and international brands.

In 2006
Bestbuy Maldives Pvt Ltd (BBM) was established as a separate entity, with Mr. Hilmy becoming the majority shareholder and Managing Director. Since then, the company has grown in terms of product portfolio, partnerships with global principals, customer base, and employees, to become one of the leaders in the import and distribution sector of the Maldives.


Growing our presence and influence

We actively seek opportunities to partner with new brands, to add new products to our growing portfolio, and to diversify our operations; now partnering with over 60 international brands. Additionally, we have invested in infrastructure and broadened our distribution network to serve more customer segments.

By expanding our team, investing in training and development and introducing technology to improve processes and increase efficiencies, we offer a personalised and professional service.

Access to World-Class
Products and Services

Over the years, we have established relationships with partners from around the world, and today, are the authorised distributor of many global brands, ranging from household favourites to high-end niche brands. We keep ourselves abreast of the trends and growing demands of the hospitality sector so that we can expand our offerings and cater to the evolving needs of our customers.

At BBM, we strive to partner with responsible organisations who are committed to sustainable initiatives, such as the Rainforest Alliance. Furthermore, we actively advocate and proactively pursue opportunities with principals to reduce and eliminate single use plastics. We also suggest modifications to packaging materials with the intention of promoting a more sustainable approach.

Customer Service

In an import driven economy (with low levels of manufacturing and agriculture), unexpected demand patterns are bound to occur rather frequently. Customers typically experience unexpected surges in guest arrivals, sudden shortage of a regular product, logistic difficulties owing to weather patterns – the list is endless.

Over years of operating in this environment, we at BBM, understand these difficulties and customer pain points. We listen to customers, anticipate potential issues, and go the extra mile to accommodate non-routine requirements.

Our hard-working customer service team fosters close relationships, and maintains clear communication with each customer; understands their challenges, and shares their feedback with our principals in matters of product needs and performance.

Distribution Network

The geography of the Maldives (99% water & 1% land) enveloping 1,190 islands – poses unique logistical challenges.

BBM has an extensive distribution network, supplying to customers over land, sea and air. Our distribution capabilities include handling ambient, chilled as well as frozen products. We have a dedicated team to efficiently manage warehousing as well as deliveries via roads, jetties, and airports to customers spread throughout the nation.

Supply Chain

Supply chain planning is a critical component of our business. We take into account many variables during each part of the process – from demand planning to sourcing/procurement, MOQs/EOQs, shipping to storing, and finally to customer delivery.

Coordinating with manufacturers, freight companies, port authorities, customs officials, optimising warehousing and distribution parameters are essential areas of our daily operations, and over the years, we have mastered the art of supply chain management.

Warehousing

Our warehouses have the capability of carrying multiple categories of inventory, be it food and beverage, personal and home care, paints or chemicals, in varying storage conditions – ambient, chilled (temperatures from +2 °C to -5 °C) or frozen (temperatures of up to -20 °C). All our warehouses are HACCP/ISO certified and have the necessary regulatory approvals.

Demand Forecasting

Years of experience in the industry has given us the insight and expertise needed to forecast demand in the Maldivian hospitality sector for specific types of products. Adding strength to our operations is our ability to carry adequate inventory.

SAP

We operate on SAP given the growing needs of the business – to ensure that we are future-ready, have operational efficiencies, offer better customer service, and provide better market insights to our principals.

Adding Value to Industry

Over the years, we have built strong relationships with many resorts, hotels and HORECA outlets, and have developed a number of key programs and opportunities to support, empower and grow the sector.

Hotel Asia

BBM has been the main sponsor of the annual Hotel Asia Exhibition, arguably the largest HORECA industry event in the Maldives. The event offers an opportunity for principals to showcase their products and solutions to the industry.

Hotel Asia has over 5,000 attendees on average each year, and typically sees the participation of 90%+ of resorts and hotels located in the Maldives.

As part of the Hotel Asia Exhibition, the ‘Culinary Challenge’ is a series of over 25 different competitions in numerous categories of the culinary field. As main sponsor, we see active participation (e.g. in 2019 over 600 contestants), as it is widely recognised as a great learning experience, as well as a significant occasion for chefs to showcase their talent and skill.

Masterclass

Under the ‘Masterclass’ initiative, BBM – on pro bono basis, brings to Maldives world renowned chefs (many of who are Michelin starred) to conduct day-long masterclasses and demos for the culinary industry. These sessions are hugely popular among chefs based in the Maldives and enjoy significant attendance.


Extensive product training and support

Together with our principals, we plan and schedule for their product specialists to conduct workshops and training sessions regularly for our customers. These sessions typically include presenting product benefits, brand engagement, new product demonstrations, recommendations for improvements, and troubleshooting problems that customers may experience in using the products.


International sponsorship for local chefs

We help promote the talent of local chefs by fully sponsoring their participation in various international culinary competitions and events (held in countries such as France, Germany, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore).


Diversified Operations

Travel Services Pvt Ltd (TSM)

Travel Services Pvt Ltd (TSM) – offers a ONE-STOP solution for all travel related matters globally. TSM offers ticketing facilities through its PSAs and direct ticketing partners in US BANGLA AIRWAYS, EMIRATES, TURKISH AIRLINES, SRI LANKAN AIRLINES, MANTA AIR etc., and through its ticketing partner – ACORN TRAVELS.

TSM also has in-house facilities for issuing holiday packages for inbound tourists and outbound holiday makers – offering options for something unique in Maldives or across the globe. TSM also works with many corporate houses and resorts across Maldives and India.


Aviation Services Pvt Ltd

Aviation Services Pvt Ltd was set up in 2016 as a joint venture between BBM and Hemas Aviation Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka.

Hemas Aviation Pvt Ltd subsequently sold its shares to Acorn Aviation Pvt Ltd, Sri lanka.

Now, BBM and Acorn Aviation Pvt Ltd are the primary stakeholders. Currently, Aviation Services are the agents for Etihad Airways and Indigo Airlines in the Maldives.


Insurance (IIRM)

IIRM Maldives Pvt Ltd (formerly known as Finlay Maldives Pvt Ltd) is an Insurance Broker registered with the Maldives Monetary Authority since 2012. BBM and IIRM Holdings, Singapore, are the primary stakeholders.

Lasting Partnerships

We are proud to be in business with some of the world’s leading brands and companies. Just as we strive to deliver the maximum possible benefit to our customers, we seek also to help our partners achieve their strategic goals and to mesh our operating procedures as seamlessly as possible with theirs.

 
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Bestbuy Maldives Vismark Distributor
Frozen Potato Supplier Maldives Resorts
Kodak
Milk
Bestbuy Flour Maldives supplier
Morny Milk
Resort Supplier Maldives fruit
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Banno Rice supplier Maldives
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Italian Truffle Supplier Maldives
Bestbuy Maldives Resort Supplies
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Ammerlander Dairy Products Maldives
Renuka Product Supplier Maldives
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Norfolk Foods Supplier Maldives
Dessert Ingredient Supplier Maldives Resorts
Spice Supplier Maldives Resorts
Resort Supplier Maldives juice
Bestbuy Maldives Sanding
Car Paint Refinishing Supplier Maldives

Milestones

1995

1995

Distributorship for Dulux - one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paints..

2000

April 2000

April 2000 brought the distributorship of IREKS GmbH of Germany, one of the most reputable brands of bread improvers and premixes for fine baking.

2000

August 2000

World-leading catering firm Best Foods (later to become Unilever Food Solutions) appointed Eastinvest (Pvt) Ltd (Bestbuy) as its exclusive distributor in the Maldives in August 2000.

2001

2001

In 2001, the distributorship for Kodak products was awarded to Eastinvest (Pvt) Ltd (Bestbuy) who are now suppliers of Kodak photographic equipment, chemicals and paper to all resorts in the Maldives, as well as to major dealers of photographic material.

2003

May 2003

In May 2003, Eastinvest (Pvt) Ltd (Bestbuy) was appointed sole distributor for the full range of Unilever home and personal care products.

2003

June 2003

In June 2003, Renuka Cocoa Lands (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka, appointed Eastinvest (Pvt) Ltd (Bestbuy) as its distributor of coconut milk products in the Maldives.

2004

2004

The first quarter of 2004 saw MD products of Sri Lanka join the list of companies represented by Eastinvest (Pvt) Ltd (BBM).

2007

March 2007

In March 2007, BBM were appointed distributor for Colavita pasta from Italy.

2010

April 2010

April 2010 saw Phoon Huat & Company (Pte) Ltd, Singapore, manufacturers of the Redman brand, supplying baking & dessert ingredients and baking accessories through BBM.

2011

April 2011

In April 2011, BBM was awarded the exclusive distributorship for Morny milk powder from the Netherlands and San Benedetto sparkling water from Italy

2012

May 2012

In May 2012, BBM were appointed authorized distributor for Fontana from Cyprus. BBM has also formed partnerships with renowned brands such as Harvey Fresh from Australia and Vismark dim sum from Singapore.

2014

January 2014

In January 2014 BBM took the distributorship for Lamb Weston potato products - USA, Café Vergnano Coffee - Italy, Ravifruit frozen purees from France.

2015

2015

In 2015 BBM was awarded the distributorship for Sosa from Spain and Cloversoft bio-degradable range from Singapore.

2016

January 2016

In January 2016, BBM was appointed as the exclusive business partner of Emerald seafood from Singapore and also was awarded distributorship for Best snacks from Dubai.

2016

May 2016

In May 2016, Serendib (7 star); a leading mill in Sri Lanka and producer of high quality flour appointed BBM as their distributor in Maldives.

2016

September 2016

In September 2016, DELMAGE GROUP - Motha products; leading manufacturer of Dessert Mixes, Cake Ingredients and Beverage Mixes in Sri Lanka appointed BBM as their exclusive business partner in Maldives.

2016

November 2016

Dankotuwa – a Sri Lankan brand name that has become synonymous with masterful perfection in porcelain tableware tied up with Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as a measure to increase its presence in the Maldives.

2017

March 2017

Chef de Table, producer of fine duck dishes began their partnership with BBM as their Maldives' distributor in March 2017.

2017

July 2017

July 2017 saw BBM appointed to distribute one of the world's leading home and personal care brands, Unilever Professional.

2017

August 2017

Sabatino chose BBM as their Maldives' partner in August 2017, making the outstanding Tartufi products available to add a touch of luxury to dishes across many resorts.

2017

September 2017

September 2017 saw iLite choose BBM to distribute their sweeteners, a healthier alternative to sugar, in the Maldives.

2017

October 2017

Norfolk Foods teamed up with BBM in October 2017 to bring their range of delicious meats, kebabs, prepared foods and breaded items to the Maldives.

2018

January 2018

Banno brought their Basmati Rice, hand-picked from the foothills of the Himalayas, to the tables of the Maldives in January 2018 with BBM appointed as distributors.

2018

February 2018

BBM was chosen as the Maldives' distributor of Ammerlander, producer of high quality dairy products.

2018

August 2018

Veliche Gourmet Belgian chocolate was launched in the Maldives in partnership with BBM.

2018

September 2018

BBM's partnership with DaVinci Gourmet means that the Maldives joins more than 60 other countries worldwide in bringing a unique palette of flavours to the ever-expanding specialty coffee industry.