Making it big in the retail world with Hassan Ezzeldine, CEO of Spinneys
Having entered the retail space with a convenience store, Hassan Ezzeldine is now at the helm Lebanon’s supermarket powerhouse Spinneys. In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News ME, he describes the company’s formidable position amid challenging market conditions, what drives him as a leader and why he’s optimistic about the future.
Wine moments with Georges J. Daou
Having shifted from electrical engineering to winemaking, Georges J. Daou, founder and owner of DAOU Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles, California, has followed an unusual path. Here, we learn how the Lebanese entrepreneur has achieved his goal of creating wines of unfathomable purity.
Valrhona unveils their 6 latest innovations during Sirha
Celebrating its 100 years, Valrhona has created a range of unique and recognizable aromatic profiles by perfecting techniques for enhancing the flavor of rare cocoa beans grown on land masterfully selected for its terroir. The brand unveiled its latest innovations during Sirha, January 19-23, 2023, where Norohy’s Tadoka won the prestigious Innovation Award.
Wine auction trends of 2022
The fine wine auction market has performed exceptionally well in 2022. Tim Triptree, master of wine and international director of Christie’s wine and spirits department, shares his insights on the wine trends shaping the market and what’s in demand.
An authentic Lebanese success story with Georges Nasraoui
George Nasraoui is a man of many talents. Not only was he able to establish his firm during the Lebanese civil war, but he also managed to expand it on international scale. Here, the founder and CEO of food manufacturing company Sonaco Al-Rabih and VP of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists takes us on a trip down memory lane and discusses what the future holds for his company.
The hotel industry’s F&B scene
Food and beverage represents a large sector of services within the hospitality industry, whether in hotel cafes and restaurants or off-premises takeaway, catering and food delivery services. Christian Salloum, founder and managing director of BrandPortunity Hospitality Consultancy, addresses the numerous benefits of having attractive F&B venues within hotels and what to consider when launching on-site concepts.
Spirits on the rise
The popularity of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks continues to grow, as consumers demand a greater number of options. Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, explores the latest developments in the market and forecasts future trends.
All about arak
Arak is well on its way to becoming the spirit of choice behind countless bars in Lebanon and even farther afield. Salim Heleiwa, general manager of The Malt Gallery, gives us the lowdown on why the milk of lions is gaining popularity and what needs to be done to help nurture this growing market.
Cloud kitchens: busting the myth
Cloud kitchens – also known as “ghost kitchens” – used to be shrouded in secrecy. Naim Maadad, chief executive and founder of Gates Hospitality, unveils the reasons why this particular business model has enjoyed success and is continuing to dominate the F&B landscape.
Champagne dreams
Many would list low dosage, lesser-known grape varieties, organic culture and sustainability when referencing champagne trends. While these matter, however, they are individual, niche points of interests. Champagne consultant Carl Edmund Sherman walks us through the vineyards and uncovers the secrets of what’s fizzing in the champagne bubble.