HILTON Fiji Beach Resort & Spa’s director of Food & Beverage Topan Sumarayasa won first place at the inaugural Tiki Masters Cocktail Competition – Fiji Edition 2025, held last Sunday at the Sheraton Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on Denarau in Nadi.
The Tiki Masters Cocktail Competition is the first of its kind in Fiji and is a global cocktail movement inspired by Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, founder of the original tiki bar in the 1930s.
In a celebration of tiki culture, the competition brought together six of the island’s top bartenders showcasing their creativity and skill.
Mr Sumarayasa, who joined Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa last month in August, impressed the judges with a refined twist on the classic “Mai Tai”, crafted using locally grown Fijian ingredients including pineapple, cardamom and kumquat juice.
His inventive approach highlighted Fiji’s natural abundance while paying homage to the timeless spirit of tiki.
“It’s an honor to win this competition, especially so soon after joining the Hilton Fiji family,” he said. “For me, this was about more than just cocktails — it was about showcasing the richness of Fijian produce and celebrating the talent we have here in the islands.”
Hilton’s cluster general manager Fiji Islands Carey Osborne said the win was a proud moment for Hilton Fiji and for the wider Fijian hospitality industry.
“It reflects Hilton’s commitment to excellence and innovation, while also showcasing how we celebrate the unique flavors and talent of Fiji with guests from around the world,” she said.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa congratulates all participants for their outstanding contributions and looks forward to the upcoming Rum & Tiki Festival 2025, taking place on November 22,2025, which promises to be another milestone event for Fiji’s hospitality and beverage scene.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: New chef wins inaugural Tiki Masters competition in Page 18 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Friday, September 26, 2025
