1) 1: Could you give us a brief introduction of the company and your work?
Cellar Master Maldives was established in 2008 by the fine foods import company, Fantasy Pvt Ltd. Fantasy have a strong reputation for excellent quality products via B2B and B2C supply. They decided to reach out to the wine sector offering new and exciting products. Originally concentrating on wines from Australia and New Zealand, Cellar Master had a growing and loyal customer following.
3: How has the company progressed since then?
Since then, Fantasy partnered with a Dubai based company and more resources have been given to Cellar Master to allow the company to evolve. In 2017 we decided that the range needed refreshing and have since taken on a number of products from around the world, sourcing from some of the best in the industry. We have a concentrated range of fresh vintages that have been stored correctly throughout their life, and we are now a fast growing team with a sister company in the Seychelles.We are lucky to have some excellent producers backing us, giving us a range of products that have proven to be successful internationally, time and time again. We nurture close working relationships with our producers and we feel very proud to receive support exclusively in the Maldives from some of the best in the industry. We work with the exquisite Champagnes House Charles Heidsieck. One of the oldest great Beaune négociant houses spanning 250+ years, Domaine Chanson. The internationally recognized specialist Malbec producer, Maal Wines. Purato, made using 100% eco-friendly products and completely unadulterated by chemicals or man-made pesticides. Château d'Anglès, the family estate of the famous Eric Fabre from Château Lafite Rothschild and the pioneering biodynamic producer Robert Eden with château Maris - to name but a few.
6: What are your goals for the company?
Our goal is to provide Maldives resorts with the best high quality and value for money wine options. To provide on hand expert advice and support, enabling resorts to maximize on opportunities and increase their sales. Most of all, our goal is to provide a concentrated range of products that can be supplied to resorts consistently. We have refined our systems allowing us to be proactive in the market, with an intuitive and reactive service for our customers.
7: As an alcohol importer, do you face many challenges?
There are a number of challenges that alcohol importers face in the Maldives. Shipping times can be slow from international producers which can cause delays. We believe in maintaining a concentrated range, uncluttered by too many categories, to ensure we supply consistently. Importing natural products into any tropical country will face its challenges, keeping products fresh with up to date vintages is a must for us. Our team of wine experts would never allow a wine to be sold that is a tired old vintage, poorly stored. Freshness is key.
8: Do you have any new developments or plans for the future that you could share with us?
We have big plans for the future, out list will remain refined but it will expand. We attend international trade shows to stay up to date and select the right products for this market. It is all too easy to select 100s of products and say yes to everything but it is vital to supply consistently. We are taking time to listen to our customers and plan to hold a trade led event to give everyone in the industry the chance to taste and network. We feel this is something the Maldives is missing. To keep up to date with our journey, connect with us on social platforms.
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