WHISKEY maker Glenfiddich will be awarding P1.0 million worth of non-equity dilutive grants to agri-tech platform Mayani, a startup that aims to empower Filipino farmers and fishermen through technology.

Mayani, which was named the 2023 Breakthrough Maverick by Glenfiddich's Where Next Club program, will also be provided with strategy and one-on-one mentorship to help the business grow.

The whiskey maker said a panel of judges consisting of Endeavor Philippines Managing Director Manny Ayala, fashion retail firm Terry S.A. President Anne Gonzales and venture capital company 500 Global partner Martin Cu unanimously chose Mayani to be the winning startup.

The startup founders laid out a "comprehensive" pitch presentation, which also included addressing a "very timely problem of food security for the country" that would aid both Filipino consumers and producers, Glenfiddich said.

Mayani co-founder Josef Amarra dedicated the victory to local farmers and fishermen, whom he described as the "unsung heroes" of the country, urging the public to always remember them.

"I hope that in the future, Filipinos empower the local food industry and consider their harvests instead of heavily relying on foreign imports while the local harvest goes to waste," he added in a statement.

Through the platform, farmers and fishermen can offer their produce to the public through a digital supply chain, which also allows consumers to buy local products online.

The whiskey maker has provided "a stepping stone for entrepreneurs and businesses embodying the core values of the brand," said Kate Osmillo, the Philippine brand ambassador for William Grant & Sons, the company that distills Glenfiddich.

"The program was developed to search for and reward an innovative venture that is ready to scale up and create a lasting impact in the Philippines and, eventually, the world," Glenfiddich continued.

"The Glenfiddich Where Next Club aims to highlight and bring out the maverick spirit in everyone. The maverick spirit inspires everyone to push boundaries and be better, both in their profession."