Cinnamon sweeps away 204 medals at South East Asia’s biggest hospitality show

The team of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts were in full sway at the Culinary Art Food Expo 2019 resulting in a monumental win of 204 medals in an event that took place from 21-23 October. The hospitality arm of John Keells Group won 41 Golds, 77 Silvers and 86 bronze medals among seven of its 15 hotels and resorts. 

Cinnamon had the pleasure of participating and excelling at this competition, well known as South East Asia’s biggest food and hospitality show at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center. The event was organised by the Chefs’ Guild of Sri Lanka together with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and CDC Events & Travels. The Expo is recognised for covering all aspects of culinary offerings, coming together every year to create a space for participants from all over the world to share insights into the latest products, services and technologies in the industry. 

At this reputed hospitality event, Cinnamon’s three city hotels had the honour of securing special awards and medals, with Cinnamon Lakeside winning 63 medals in total and four special awards including Most Outstanding City Hotel Team, Most Outstanding Artist, 2nd place in Most Outstanding Culinary Team and 3rd Place in Best Hotel Team. Cinnamon Grand Colombo was no second, bagging 56 medals and awards for Best Cheese Platter and 3rd Place in Most Outstanding Culinary Team. The lean luxury initiative, Cinnamon Red, won three medals in total.  

Cinnamon Bey Beruwela and Cinnamon Citadel Kandy were winners among Cinnamon’s resort hotels with regional awards and a host of medals. Cinnamon Bey won a total of 28 medals- 2 golds, 10 silvers and 16 bronzes along with the special award for the Most Outstanding Down-South Culinary Team. Cinnamon Citadel achieved three Golds, five Silvers and 16 Bronzes and the special award for the Most Outstanding Kandy Region Culinary Team. Cinnamon Wild Yala won a unique award for the Most Outstanding Beer Cocktail along with thre Golds, five Silvers and eight Bronze medals while Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon achieved a total of 14 medals. 

Commenting on this achievement, Hishan Singhawansa, Sector Head for Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Sri Lanka and the Maldives and Executive Vice President for the John Keells Group stated, “We are immensely privileged to have a team of trailblazers delivering this expertise at our properties every day. Skills and talent, combined with the right attitude are a great starting point for success, and I believe this combination led our team to multiple successes on a platform considered to be South Asia’s largest culinary event. This is a very proud occasion for all of us.”  

“We are extremely proud of these accolades won by our chefs and F&B teams. These coveted awards are a validation of their hard work and a display of their inherent talents to craft innovative signature culinary masterpieces, along with beverages that have been created with true Cinnamon flair. We applaud the efforts made by the Chefs Guild to provide exposure for the development of those in the industry and for the future of the profession,” said Mikael Svensson – Sector Head for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ city hotels and Executive Vice President John Keells Holdings. 

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a chain of 15 hotels and resorts located in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The brand embodies a passion for inspired living and promises holistic and enhanced experiences that are tailor-made to suit the specific interests of travellers. The Cinnamon brand focuses on delivering memorable holidays and getaways that deliver exceptional standards of service whilst showcasing the warmth and vibrancy of authentic and contemporary hospitality.