Authentic Maldives new outlet at Crossroads

Authentic Maldives, an initiative the Ministry of Economic Development took to promote authentic Maldivian products - has opened their new outlet at Crossroads Maldives. While rich in culture, unless you go to the islands it can be pretty hard to come by genuinely original Maldivian products, making this brand quite unique in its own way.

Starting out in 2020, amidst the pandemic, their first outlet was based as a duty-free outlet at Velana International Airport. Regardless of the challenges many businesses faced due to the pandemic - Authentic Maldives became a saviour, as more than MVR 28 million has been paid to local suppliers so far. Some of the well known suppliers they work with include Art Foshi, Craft Studio and Famushu.

While the creative and art industries are still relatively new in the Maldives, many local brands have done well as more and more Maldivians become interested in supporting local artists. Furthermore, as the Maldives' tourism industry grows, these types of brands have proven as a great way to learn about Maldivian crafts, history, and culture.

With the vision of becoming globally recognised in promoting Maldivian producers and manufacturers and serving as a platform to showcase their products and craftsmanship, Authentic Maldives already has several outlets in both Male’ and Hulhumale’. With their new outlet, they are getting closer to their vision, as Crossroads Maldives is another opportunity for them to reach a larger target audience.

Products sold under the Authentic Maldives brand are Maldives Food and Drug Authority certified, as well as having a 30 percent value addition that is incurred locally. As they aim to showcase young talent of Maldivians and the culture of the country, they encourage young entrepreneurs above 18 years of age to apply to be a part of the team.

With over 160 suppliers - in a short timespan Authentic Maldives has already grown into one of Business Center Corporation’s most successful SME development projects.