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OPINION
Managing director Joumana Dammous-Salamé Publication manager Randa Dammous-Pharaon Publications deputy manager Rita Ghantous Senior editor Lisa Jerejian Sub-editor Miriam Dunn
The act of serving coffee holds a special meaning in hospitality; its virtue lies at the very heart of welcoming a person, a concept rooted in the hospitality markers of welcome and generosity. Generosity (karam) is part of hospitality and consists, first and foremost, of providing food and coffee.
Nouhad Dammous (June 11, 2021) Late editor-in-chief Docteur Honoris Causa
Account managers Maha Hasbani, Josette Hikri advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Subscription executives Houayda Haddad-Roumman, Mirna Maroun subscribe@hospitalitynewsmag.com Circulation coordinator Rita Nohra-Kejijian Graphic designer Ibrahim Kastoun To advertise advertise@hospitalitynewsmag.com Published by Hospitality Services LEBANON Borghol Building, Dekwaneh Tel: +961 1 480081 UAE HSME Tel: +971 585098057 info@hospitalityservices.me www.hospitalitynewsmag.com All the information disclosed in the magazine was provided by the parties concerned by each publication and checked to the highest possible extent by the editors. However, the magazine cannot ensure accuracy at all times of all information published and therefore could in no case be held responsible should any information reveal to be false or insufficient. We welcome views on any subject relevant to the hospitality industry, but request that letters be short and to the point. The editor reserves the right to select and edit letters. Hospitality News ME is distributed to trade professionals in the catering and lodging industry in the Middle East.
COFFEE SHOPS BOUNCING BACK Hospitality News Middle East’s editorial team forecasts a bright future for the coffee shop segment, although businesses are still feeling the lingering effects of the pandemic in terms of labor and supply chain shortages. International coffee chains, including Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Caffè Nero, recorded higher revenues in 2023 than the previous year, according to the World Coffee Portal’s survey, indicating a positive outlook for the coffee shop market in terms of sales and revenue. In response to rising costs and staff shortages, reputable coffee chains have demonstrated resourcefulness, incorporating app-based delivery, transactions and drive-thrus into their business models. Drive-thrus are proving especially popular in Saudi Arabia - the Middle East’s largest branded coffee shop market - due to their convenience, the hot weather and the broader car-centric lifestyle prevalent there. The success of the Kuwait-based coffee delivery app COFE App, which has connected consumers to over 700 branded coffee shops in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait, indicates robust demand for delivery services in major Middle East coffee shop markets. In terms of trends, industry experts in the Middle East have noted that oat milk remains the preferred plant-based dairy alternative to pair with coffee, followed by almond milk, in contrast to Europe, where soy milk ranks second. However, dairy remains the leading beverage accompaniment in coffee shops globally. In hot regions like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, iced coffee has gained significant traction, with 92 percent and 90 percent of Saudi and UAE consumers, respectively, stating that they have purchased an iced beverage in the last year, according to the World Coffee Portal. Having witnessed an influx of international coffee chains and burgeoning domestic segments, these markets are poised for substantial growth in the iced beverage sector. In the UK, Belgium, France and the Netherlands, semi-skim milk is the most popular pairing with coffee, while whole milk is the preferred choice in the US, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The editorial team
MAY-JUL 2023 | HOSPITALITY NEWS ME
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In this issue MAY - JUL 2023
NEWS 08 10 14 16 17
In-depth news and interviews from around the region Industry Hotels Food & Beverage Chefs Suppliers
14
Mark Patten
24
HORECA Lebanon
32
Salman Gasim
HORECA NETWORK 20 22 24 26
A successful first edition of HORECA and Salon du Chocolat et de la patisserie In Jeddah Positive signs at HORECA Kuwait HORECA Lebanon's strong comeback All eyes on HORECA Oman
EVENTS WHERE TO BE SEEN 27 28
Salon du chocolat et de la pâtisserie set to return to galeries Lafayette FHIS KSA returns with ‘invest in change’ theme Calendar
BUSINESS INTERVIEW 30 32 34
The language of luxury with Timothy Kelly Salman Gasim on trailblazing and nurturing hospitality talent in KSA Nusret Gökçe on why eating should be exciting and how success serves as motivation
INFLUENCERS 36
The human side of hospitality
42
The future of travel is experience
44
Oman: a unique gem in the GCC
46
Why we’re sticking with Japanese cuisine
48
Is F&B outsourcing on its way out?
50 52
What do guests really want? Consumer trends that the hospitality industry cannot afford to ignore
TOURISM COUNTRY REPORT EYE ON F&B TRENDS
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 54
Modern design meets traditional living
TECHNOLOGY 56
4
Four tech trends that are shaping the new travel era
HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | MAY-JUL 2023
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
SOLUTIONS HUMAN RESOURCES 58
Closing the gender gap
MANAGEMENT 59
Why embedded insurance is on the rise
62
Coffee culture
58
Closing the gender gap
Special report: Coffee 61 62 64 66 70 72 74
Why hybrid coffee shops are a win-win The gulf coffee takeover Wake up and smell the coffee What’s brewing across the coffee market What’s making waves on the green coffee scene Why coffee shops are causing a stir All-new industry innovations
PRODUCT ZONE EQUIPMENT 76
Baking trends: what you knead to know
80
More than meats the eye
84
Anyone for tea?
86
Tira bar
FOOD BEVERAGE CHOCOMANIA ON THE MARKET 87
New products
Coming issue AUG - OCT 2023 • Special report New hotel projects and investment opportunities • Influencers Hoteliers • Equipment Coffee equipment • Food Chocolate • Beverage Coffee
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HOSPITALITYNEWSMAG.COM HospitalityNewsME
@Hospitality_Mag
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HOSPITALITY NEWS ME | MAY-JUL 2023
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More than meats the eye
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