Food and Beverage teams from InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel and Holiday Inn Suva have secured 14 awards across HOTEC 2026 and the Crest Chicken National Salon Culinaire 2026, including Gold in the Bartender Competition, Best Barista and the Fiji Young Chef of the Year 2026 title.
FNPF-Owned IHG Hotels & Resorts have celebrated a successful showing at two of Fiji’s premier hospitality competitions, with colleagues from its three properties earning national recognition for their culinary skills, creativity and professional excellence.
At HOTEC 2026, held at Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa on 22 and 23 October, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa’s Theodore Reyes took home Gold in the Bartender Competition, securing his second national title following his 2024 win. Fellow colleague Rimal Prasad was named Best Barista.
The achievements continued at the Crest Chicken National Salon Culinaire 2026, where chefs from InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel and Holiday Inn Suva collectively secured five Silver and seven Bronze medals. Holiday Inn Suva’s Chang Kay Yee also claimed the prestigious Fiji Young Chef of the Year 2026 title.
The results reflect the depth of hospitality talent across the three properties and the commitment of their teams to continually developing their skills and delivering high standards across Fiji’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Regional General Manager Fiji & Pacific, FNPF-Owned IHG Hotels & Resorts, Lachlan Walker said the recognition was a proud moment for the organisation and its colleagues.
“These achievements reflect the passion, dedication and professionalism of our colleagues, who continue to raise the bar for hospitality excellence in Fiji.
“We are incredibly proud of our teams and the commitment they demonstrate to continuously developing their skills and craft. Creating opportunities for colleagues to grow and advance their careers remains a key focus across our hotels, and it is rewarding to see that recognised on a national stage.”
The organisation’s investment in training, mentoring and career development continues to provide opportunities for local hospitality professionals to strengthen their capabilities and progress within the industry. These efforts also support IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Journey to Tomorrow commitments, which focus on supporting communities and creating opportunities for future hospitality leaders.
Across InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel and Holiday Inn Suva, Food and Beverage teams continue to celebrate Fiji’s culinary heritage through locally inspired dining experiences, exceptional service and a commitment to hospitality excellence.
The 14 award recipients were:
INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI GOLF RESORT & SPA: Theodore Reyes, Gold Medal, Bartender Competition; Rimal Prasad, Best Barista; Anesh Gounder, Silver, Fiji Chef of the Year; Shristi Lata, Silver, Seafood Live; Mere Jacksam, Silver, Live Dessert; and Naufal Muhammed, Bronze, Culture & Heritage Live Cooking.
GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL: Shahil Shivnesh Chandra, Silver, Classic Local Dessert with Modern Twist (Live Junior); Ainsley Pita Fiu, Bronze, Fiji Culture & Heritage Chef of the Year; Awastika Sheetal Singh, Bronze, Cake Decoration Live; and Sharon Veena Chandra, Bronze, Fiji Chef of the Year.
HOLIDAY INN SUVA: Chang Kay Yee, Fiji Young Chef of the Year 2026 and Silver Medal; Vijay Kumar Chetty, Bronze, Fiji Chef of the Year; Varanisese Kenona Nagatalevu, Bronze, Cake Decoration Live; and Alumita Canauvi Tawake, Bronze, Fiji Culture & Heritage Chef of the Year.
