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Monday Nov 04, 2024
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Bartenders and mixologists from Colombo, Galle, and Kandy region participated in the workshop
From left: Monin Middle East Managing Director Miroslav Vulic, Monin Middle East Regional Sales Director Sélim Allaoui, Liquid Island Master Barista Asif Iqbal, and Monin Beverage Expert from the Middle East to SL Felipe Valencia Santander
Liquid Island Sri Lanka, the exclusive distributor of World’s leading Syrup Monin, recently hosted a special visit from Felipe Valencia Santander, Beverage Expert from Monin in the Middle East to Sri Lanka.
With over 100 years of expertise in syrups and beverage solutions, Monin is a family-run French company now present in over 150 countries. Renowned for their innovative beverage solutions, speed of use, quality and taste consistency, Monin offers the widest range of flavours in the syrup, puree, frappe and sauce categories.
Felipe’s visit was a significant event for Sri Lanka’s beverage industry, drawing over 300 bartenders and baristas from across the country to participate in masterclasses and training sessions designed to elevate their craft and expand the possibilities within mixology.
As a part of this initiative, Liquid Island and Monin have reinforced their commitment to uplifting Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector through the education and training of bartenders, baristas and mixologists. This focus on skill development aims to strengthen the local industry while keeping it aligned with global trends.
Felipe’s visit included key training sessions across three major locations: the ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle, and Thilanka Hotel in Kandy. During these sessions, participants were treated to an educational masterclass where Felipe shared his extensive knowledge and expertise in the beverage industry, with a particular focus on global trends and budding consumer preferences.
“The relationship between Liquid Island and Monin has always been strong. We are leaders in the market, not only here in Sri Lanka but across the entire region,” said Felipe. “There is so much we can achieve together, and that’s one of the reasons behind our visit. We aren’t just here to create brand awareness; we are contributing to the industry and the community. We are sharing knowledge because we see it as part of our social responsibility.”
Reflecting on this fruitful relationship, Liquid Island General Manager Shalindri Malawana, remarked: “Our partnership with Monin spans over 12 years and has consistently allowed us to deliver world-class solutions to the Sri Lankan market. Together, we’ve taken great strides in not only distributing premium products but also empowering the local bartending and barista community. Felipe’s visit is yet another step in our journey to elevate the standards of mixology here.”