The Coca-Cola system in Thailand led by Mr. Ignace Corthouts 5th left), President of ThaiNamthip Corporation Ltd., Mr. Tanaporn Khositaphai (3rd left), Senior Vice President - Commercial of ThaiNamthip Corporation Limited, and Mrs. Arisa Pukdeemakanon (1st left) -? Vice President Commercial Operations, Haad Thip Public Company Limited, in collaboration with Accor, led by Mr. Garth Simmons (7th left), Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia and Mr. Tony Chisholm (8th left), Vice President Food & Beverage, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor, with the winner and runners-up of the Accor x Coca-Cola Mixology Competition 2023 - the mixology competition for bartenders from Accor properties who created the special drinks combining "Coca-Cola" products
The Coca-Cola system in Thailand, comprising ThaiNamthip Ltd., HaadThip plc, and Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd., recently collaborated with Accor, the largest hospitality group in the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, to host the competition: 'Accor x Coca-Cola(R) Mixology Competition 2023' in order to support and respond to the growth of Thai tourism and the hospitality industry, alongside the trend of socialization, to highlight the long-standing relationship between the two companies.
The competition, held at Glen Bar, Pullman King Power Bangkok, displayed the world-class skills of some of Thailand's leading bartenders, who answered the challenge from Accor and 'Coca-Cola'. The bartenders were asked to design new innovative drinks using popular mixer brands under the 'Coca-Cola' portfolio, including Coca-Cola(R) Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola(R) Original Taste, Fanta(R), Sprite(R), and Schweppes(R). All winning recipes will be available at Accor properties throughout Thailand starting from December this year.
The award-winning recipes belong to "Thai Essential" by Weerachon Pasukee from Pullman Bangkok King Power, followed by "Thianhom" by Ms. Darat Chabplan from Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, and "So Proud" by Mr. Supachai Yamtip from Moevenpick Siam Na Jomtien Pattaya as the first and second runner-up, respectively.
?Mr. Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia, said:: "As the region's leading hospitality group, with an extensive network of 85 properties across Thailand, we are delighted to once again collaborate with 'Coca-Cola' for the 'Accor x Coca-Cola(R) Mixology Competition 2023,' now in its second year. This exciting competition showcases the immense talent of our Heartists and is a testament to the thriving and creative spirit of the Thai bartender industry. It further reaffirms the significance of the Food and Beverage experience as an integral part of our guests' journey within Accor properties. This competition is not just about cocktails, but a celebration of the art of mixology. Each handcrafted drink tells a unique story, extending an inviting experience to our global travellers and local community, adding a touch of magic and creativity to their visits and stays at our hotels".
Mr. Ignace Corthouts, President of ThaiNamthip Corporation, said: "Our unwavering commitment to providing extraordinary experiences to consumers through our creative innovation and variety of product portfolio remains steadfast. This collaboration with Accor presents an excellent opportunity for Thais as well as international tourists to discover the breadth and versatility of our portfolio of products through the special drinks crafted by our skillful Thai mixologists, who bring a refreshing twist and perspective that elevate our products to the next level.
The 'Accor x Coca-Cola(R) Mixology Competition 2023' started in August and reached the final round with the last six contestants. Each showcased their well-seasoned mixology skills in front of the judging panel:?Ms. Aline Boulom, Director, Industrial Relations and Compliance - Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea, Accor; Mr. Jason Riley, Assistant Vice President, HORECA ThaiNamthip Corporation; and Mr. Pongphan Suepsangthai, President of the Thailand Bartender Association.
The competition, which is set to expand even further next year, provides Accor's local Heartists with a unique platform to showcase their skills. It is a remarkable opportunity for them to demonstrate their talent, creativity, and dedication, setting the stage for recognition on a global scale. Moreover, the winning recipes not only represent the bartenders' exceptional craft but also underline the profound significance of creating lasting and unique memories through the art of cocktail making, a fundamental component of the guest experience at Accor.
At the end of the competition, the winning recipe, receiving a grand prize of a 2-baht-weight gold bar, was "Thai Essential", the masterful creation by Mr. Weerachon Pasukee from Pullman Bangkok King Power. The Thai Essential represents a harmonious combination of roselle, bale fruit tea, tamarind syrup, lime juice, and Schweppes(R) Dry Ginger Ale. The first runner-up recipe, winning a 1-baht-weight gold bar was "Thianhom", of Ms. Darat Chabplan from Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thianhom drew inspiration from brown Hom Nin rice, aloe vera in honey lime, egg white, jasmine syrup, combined with the delightful flavors of Schweppes(R) Dry Ginger Ale. Lastly, the second runner-up recipe, winning a 7.6-gram gold bar was, "So Proud", by Mr.Supachai Yamtip from Moevenpick Siam Na Jomtien Pattaya, influenced by fresh ginger, fresh Lemon juice, honey syrup, and golden falernum expertly paired with Coca-Cola(R) Original Taste. All three winning recipes will be available for tourists and Thai residents at hotels and resorts under Accor throughout Thailand starting this December onward.
?To learn more about the campaign and upcoming events, please visit www.facebook/cocacolaTH.
Source: Hill & Knowlton
