President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed renowned master blender Steven Rioux to State House this morning, celebrating his recent recognition as Blender of the Year 2024. As the master blender at Trois Frères Distillery, producers of the esteemed Takamaka Rum, Mr. Rioux secured this prestigious title in competition with some of the world’s leading distilleries.
During the meeting, President Ramkalawan extended his warm congratulations to Mr. Rioux, highlighting this achievement as a testament to the exceptional talent emerging from Seychelles. He expressed particular pride in seeing local expertise gain international recognition in the spirits industry—a field that has traditionally maintained a modest profile within the country.
Mr. Rioux provided an insightful overview of his role and the significance of his latest accolade. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed deep gratitude for the honour, attributing his success to dedication, craftsmanship, and an unwavering passion for his work. "The dedication invested in our work manifests itself in the final product we present," he remarked, emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail behind Takamaka's award-winning spirits.
Looking ahead, Mr. Rioux shared his enthusiasm for further advancing both his personal expertise and the company’s global standing. He reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring aspiring mixologists and collaborating with local establishments, underscoring his dedication to fostering the next generation of Seychellois talent in the spirits industry.
The meeting concluded with President Ramkalawan extending his best wishes to Mr. Rioux for his future endeavours, encouraging him to continue serving as a symbol of excellence for Seychelles on the international stage.