Bidfood KSA and Georges MONIN SAS France today announced Macario Jr. Dela Cruz from Gontran Cherreir as the winner of SAUDI MONIN CUP 2019.

Bogdan Solonyi from Nozomi and Lester Macatangay from Gontran Cherreir won the second and third place, respectively.

The SAUDI MONIN CUP 2019 final event took place in a beautifully decorated fine dining Japanese restaurant OKKU in Riyadh; sponsored by Saudi Arabian Chef Association. Renowned chefs and beverage innovators Fahad Bukhari, Sanjin Dilaver and Jan Marc Menicable were part of the judging panel.

Ten finalists competed live near the judges, preparing mocktails inspired from the best of local and natural ingredients or from Saudi culture and cuisine. Among the finalists were: Jhon Michael Beran from All in 7 cafe, Kevin Pereira from Kabsh Restaurant, Renante Cellan from Ritz Carlton Riyadh, Ariel Rogayan Crowne Plaza RDC, Rodel Bucayu from Vivienda Hotels and Resorts and Hottensiah Kinyanjui from Nofa Resorts, a Radisson Collection Hotel.

The winner and runner ups will get a direct entry to the finale of SAUDI MONIN CUP 2020 edition, with the 2020 national winner heading to the global edition of MONIN CUP 2020, set to be held in Paris. This is to award the efforts of the 2019 winner and runners up and to recognise their dedication to the art of bartending in the first ever KSA mixology competition.

Commenting on his win, Macario Jr. said: “For a moment, I felt it was a dream. With the round of applause around me, I realised it was a dream come true. It was a tensed journey but a truly interesting experience as it helped me push the boundaries of my perceived abilities.”

Macario Jr. winning drink was Red Maria created using MONIN Amond Syrup and Raspberry Puree, presented with watermelon, redcurrants and dried grapefruit.

Hamza El Shaer, Marketing Manager, Bidfood KSA commented: “We are very pleased with the overwhelming response we had received to the call for entries, due to which MONIN International decided to add Saudi Arabia to be a part of the global edition next year. This demonstrates the importance of such competitions that provide young industry professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to spark their creativity and display their skills to the fast-growing food and beverage industry as well as promote the emerging talent in the Saudi culinary sector. MONIN CUP has earned its status as the most coveted title in the beverage industry and through this initiative Bidfood KSA aims to inspire and encourage young talent to continue striving for ever upward improvement in their careers.”

Organised by MONIN, a premium brand for quality gourmet flavoured syrups, Fruit Mixes, Sauces and Frappes, the MONIN CUP is a national and international competition for professional beverage specialists, challenging competitors to demonstrate their creative skills whilst using Monin products to craft signature cocktails

Over 10,000 beverage specialists from all across the globe have participated in the international competition. With 100 years of experience, MONIN brand has become a reference in the flavoured drink market with a broad range of more than 150 flavours.

For the first time, Bidfood KSA organized the national edition, inviting all mixologists and beverage specialists from all across the kingdom to register online and secure a chance to be the MONIN Champion in Saudi Arabia. Following initial evaluation, 29 contestants competed at the semi-finals held across Eastern, Western and Central regions under the theme ‘Mix your Origins’ – inspired from the best of local and natural ingredients or from Saudi culture and cuisine.