Latest news with #F&B
Entrepreneur
an hour ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Sustainability in Business: Lessons from the Food and Beverage Sector
The future of sustainable business in the Middle East lies in partnership — with suppliers, regulators, and communities alike. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In today's business landscape, sustainability has evolved from a corporate buzzword into a fundamental expectation. Across the Middle East, where economic growth and urban development are accelerating, businesses are re-evaluating how they operate — not only to remain competitive, but to be responsible stewards of the environment. The food and beverage (F&B) sector is particularly well-positioned to lead this change. With high energy demands, supply chain complexities, and significant packaging and food waste, the industry carries both a large environmental footprint and a powerful opportunity for impact. Drawing from experiences within one of the world's largest quick-service restaurant brands, this article explores how sustainability practices can be integrated into core business operations in a region as diverse and complex as the Middle East. The focus is not on promotion, but on practical strategies and challenges — and how companies can begin or deepen their journey toward environmental responsibility. Why Local Context Matters While global sustainability frameworks offer a helpful foundation, regional adaptation is essential. In the Middle East, climate, infrastructure, and policy differ widely between countries — from water scarcity in the Gulf to rapidly urbanising centres in the Levant. Businesses must tailor their strategies to reflect these realities. For example, energy use is a key area of focus, especially in hot climates where cooling systems are essential. Understanding and optimising HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems is not just a technical detail — it's a business imperative. Similarly, innovations like low proximity hoods in kitchens can reduce overall energy consumption significantly when implemented at scale. Investments in energy-efficient equipment, such as LED lighting and high-efficiency refrigeration, might seem minor in isolation. Yet, when adopted consistently across locations, they contribute meaningfully to both environmental impact and operational cost savings. Three Core Pillars of Sustainable Practice Sustainability efforts in the F&B industry often centre around three main pillars: environmental responsibility, responsible sourcing, and waste reduction. Each presents its own challenges and opportunities in the Middle Eastern context. 1. Environmental Responsibility Adopting energy-saving technologies, exploring renewable energy sources like solar (particularly in high-insolation regions such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia), and conserving water through low-flow fixtures and efficient cleaning practices are becoming standard in many progressive operations. 2. Responsible Sourcing Local procurement reduces emissions tied to transport while supporting regional economies. Businesses are increasingly working with suppliers who meet standards not only for quality, but also for ethical labour practices and environmental impact. Rigorous auditing and supply chain transparency play a key role in maintaining accountability. 3. Waste Reduction and Recycling The F&B sector produces large volumes of waste — food scraps, packaging, and single-use materials among them. Inventory control systems, food donation programs, and in-store recycling can help mitigate this. In some regions, composting is also gaining traction, despite infrastructure challenges. Challenges and Opportunities in Implementation Implementing sustainability measures in the Middle East comes with complexities. Regulatory environments vary, and upfront costs for green technologies can be a barrier. Infrastructure for recycling and renewable energy may be inconsistent across markets. Yet, these challenges also open the door for innovation. Businesses willing to invest in energy solutions or engage with local suppliers to build capacity often find long-term gains — both financially and reputationally. Moreover, as consumer awareness around sustainability increases, demand is growing for businesses that can demonstrate real action, not just intention. Looking Ahead: A Call to Action Sustainability is not a destination but a continuous process. As governments across the region introduce more robust environmental policies and incentives, there is growing momentum for businesses to step up. The future of sustainable business in the Middle East lies in partnership — with suppliers, regulators, and communities alike. For the F&B industry in particular, every decision — from equipment to packaging, sourcing to staff training — holds the potential to shape a more resilient, responsible business model. The companies that succeed will be those that not only adapt to change but help lead it.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
WaffarX, DGTERA to empower digital transformation in F&B in Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Arab Finance: WaffarX, Egypt's leading fintech cashback solution, has entered a new strategic partnership with DGTERA, a fast-growing provider of smart solutions in the food and beverage (F&B) and retail sectors, according to an emailed press release. Under the partnership, both companies will jointly cooperate on integrating value-driven customer engagement tools with innovative operational technology. They will also work together on introducing a new standard of efficiency and consumer loyalty to F&B businesses across Egypt and Saudi Arabia This collaboration will enable WaffarX to integrate its cashback technology seamlessly into DGTERA's smart restaurant and retail systems, offering end users a rewarding experience directly at the point of purchase. It aims to assist F&B businesses in enhancing customer retention and increasing transaction value while improving operational performance. It also supports the regional growth strategies of both companies, leveraging their complementary strengths in fintech innovation and smart retail infrastructure. DGTERA currently serves over 1,400 merchants and 6,000 active points of sale (POS) in Saudi Arabia alone. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
The Hotel Show 2025 opened yesterday as UAEs culinary and tech prowess take centre stage
Numerous new-to-market product launches unveiled on opening day, including AI-powered operational platform and sensory wellness lounger Dubai, UAE: The Hotel Show 2025, the leading event for the Middle East and North Africa's hospitality sector, opened its doors on Tuesday at Dubai World Trade Centre. Culinary experts, F&B innovators, industry decision-makers, and international experts gathered to discuss the various challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality and F&B sectors. Officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports, the latest edition of the longest-running hospitality trade show in the Middle East – which is co-located alongside INDEX, WORKSPACE, and HITEC – featured a series of opening day F&B Leadership Summit panel sessions. The show will run until May 29. UAE's Transformative F&B Industry Takes the Spotlight Opening the Hospitality Leadership & F&B Forum, designed by KCA International and built by OK Middle East production, was an executive think tank panel discussion titled 'Culinary Crossroads: Leveraging Global Cuisine and Fusion Trends'. Looking at the evolution and diversity of the UAE's F&B sector over the past 25 years, the panel agreed that two of the biggest opportunities at the moment are the potential for exporting local concepts, and the importance of nurturing local talent. While the market is diverse, there is still room for unique, immersive experiences, and casual dining options, attendees heard. 'For a country that is only 50 years old, it is incredible to see how the UAE has built such a diverse F&B culture in that time where other mature markets around the world have taken generations to get there,' said Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer at Arada. 'We have over 200 nationalities that live in this country, so it is truly a melting pot, and now it has become an incubation centre where you are able to mix and match. There's fusion, there's homegrown concepts, and because of this, there is a strong desire to export.' Also taking part in the panel was Miguel Silva, Corporate F&B Director at Azizi Developments, who emphasized that customers nowadays are looking for more than just a great view, but a culinary experience and something that is different; 'Luckily, we have time to see where the trends go, analyze, and think how we are going to make our offering different,' said Silva. 'Everyone would have heard of Burj Azizi, the second-tallest building in the world. Well, it is going to be another level of, yes, luxury. It's going to be a landmark for us. But when it comes to F&B, our chairman said something very interesting: Don't make the view your USP. People need to go in and say, 'wow, this is something truly unique'. We have some fundamental ideas, and when I say analyze, we need to keep an eye on what customers want so that in four years, when we're nearing opening, we can tweak those ideas to current market needs to make sure we are giving our customers what they want.' Hotel Show Platform for Latest Product Unveilings Among the many highlights at The Hotel Show, a number of new product launches drew attention for their innovation. Unveiled on the sidelines of HITEC was latest AI-powered service, which streamlines hospitality operations through a unified platform designed to enhance both the guest experience and team productivity. By simply uploading multiple PDFs, hotels can equip the AI tool to instantly answer guest inquiries, effectively offering round-the-clock virtual assistance without the need for additional staff or guest waiting times. To ensure accuracy, the AI is trained exclusively on the information provided by the hotel, eliminating the risk of delivering false or unrelated responses. Elsewhere, Gharieni Middle East launched its RLX Satori Wellness Lounger, with complete natural vibrational and binaural sound therapy designed to synchronize body and mind. Choosing the Right Tech For the Right Moment is Key, HITEC Conference Hears At the HITEC Conference, which is in partnership with HFTP, a panel of industry experts examined the importance of strategically implementing technology and innovation in organizations. When adopting new technologies, it is essential to take a holistic approach that includes people, timing, and available resources. William Costley, Chief Operating Officer at TIME Hotels, said: "It's crucial to bring in technology that is scalable and flexible. Longevity is key, and many investors focus on flashy solutions; however, it's essential to choose technology that can withstand the test of time. In the hotel industry, for instance, technology is often regarded as a tangible asset. And when partnering with a startup, it is essential to ensure they can maintain momentum and follow through. Costley also highlighted the importance of often-overlooked factors such as Return on Entertainment and Return on Loyalty, noting that these metrics deserve greater attention alongside traditional financial indicators. 'For me, digital transformation is a 360-degree approach', he added. With this in mind, The Hotel Show features a dedicated section on hospitality technology, highlighting key factors that are often overlooked in the industry. This section offers valuable insights into how innovative tech solutions can enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and drive long-term growth for hospitality businesses. In another forward-thinking session, Viju Varma, Head of IT at Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, discussed how the smart integration of technology is key to keeping the 'human touch' guests expect from luxury hotels. 'At Jumeirah, we use technology to enhance – not replace – the human touch. Our online check-in enables guests to complete formalities from the comfort of their own homes, while still offering personal interaction upon arrival. With mobile key access and streamlined on-site check-ins, we strike a balance between convenience and connection, creating a seamless yet meaningful guest experience,' said Varma. About dmg events dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today's rapidly evolving landscape. With a presence in over 25 countries and organizing more than 80 events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment, and transportation sectors. To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees. Our flagship events including the Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, About INDEX Since its inaugural over 30 years ago, the three-day INDEX trade show has developed into a major gathering for the interior design and fit-out industry. Combining the traditional elements of a trade show with a variety of expert-led conferences and exciting showcases of innovative products, INDEX attracts more than 18,000 visitors each year. With 500+ exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers taking part every year, attendees benefit from the networking opportunities, the chance to discover new products and trends, and ability to maximise their industry knowledge by attending insightful conferences featuring leaders of the global interior design industry who are transforming spaces with product, design, and technology. For more information, please visit our website. About The Hotel Show The Hotel Show is the region's largest trade event for the hospitality sector, establishing itself as the longest-standing event of its type in the Middle East and Africa. The Hotel Show is a platform that provides international suppliers the opportunity to showcase their innovations and products to the most comprehensive community of serious buyers in various categories, including hotel technology, operating equipment and supplies, food services, and HORECA. With 300+ exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers taking part every year, attendees benefit from the networking opportunities, the chance to discover new products and trends, and ability to maximise their industry knowledge by attending insightful conferences. For more information, please visit our website. About WORKSPACE Workspace is the region's premier event for workplace solutions, technology and interiors. Workspace provides international suppliers the opportunity to showcase their innovations and products to a targeted group of buyers from across the MENA region. Alongside the exhibition, The Workspace Summit, brings together key stakeholders in workplace design, interior solutions, and corporate real estate to discuss the latest trends and insights.
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
SoluPet Taps Forsman & Bodenfors for Global AOR Duties to Launch Breakthrough Solution for Aging Dogs
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SoluPet Supplements, a science-driven startup dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs suffering from cognitive decline, has named global advertising agency Forsman & Bodenfors (F&B) as its agency of record. F&B is a solutions-driven, creative collective that is part of the global marketing network, Stagwell. 'We're not just launching a product—we're launching a movement to give senior dogs more good years. And we've broken some traditional start up rules to do this safely and quickly,' said Bill Mohri, Founder and CEO of SoluPet. The partnership will focus on launching SoluPet's flagship supplement—a first-of-its-kind product backed by neuroscience, nanotechnology, and more than 10 years of scientific research. The move comes as SoluPet prepares for its commercial debut later this year, aiming to address the growing crisis of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), an underdiagnosed yet widespread neurodegenerative condition affecting over 30M dogs in the U.S. alone. 'We're not just launching a product—we're launching a movement to give senior dogs more good years. And we've broken some traditional start up rules to do this safely and quickly,' said Bill Mohri, Founder and CEO of SoluPet. 'Choosing Forsman & Bodenfors is a key step in that journey. Their creativity, strategic rigor, and understanding of disruptive brands will help us shape how the world understands pet cognition.' F&B's North America Chief Solutions Officer/Managing Director, Julien Bissuel shared, 'SoluPet has incredible potential, and during our first conversation, we quickly realized how aligned our visions were, from our approach to business, being growth-oriented, believing in the power of a brand to drive long term growth, and focusing on continuous innovations. A relationship is a true partnership, and in this partnership, I became an advisor on the commercial advisory board where we worked hand in hand on shaping the identity and positioning of their brand. At Forsman we obsess over finding new ways to grow for our clients and applying creativity to solve business problems, values that are essential for a start-up in launch mode.' SoluPet's story is deeply personal. Mohri, a seasoned CPG executive with over 25 years of leadership experience at Kraft Foods and Microsoft, was inspired to start the company after watching his beloved dog, Lily, struggle with the effects of dementia. Realizing that current solutions lacked scientific credibility and effectiveness, he set out to build something better. 'I realized there were no effective solutions in the market. So I decided to build one,' Mohri said. 'We've since assembled a world-class advisory board—veterinary scientists, neuroscientists, and business leaders—who share our mission of transforming pet health through innovation.' The supplement, which is a proven-safe approach to easing the progression of canine dementia, is poised to fill a major gap in the market. While awareness of cognitive decline in pets is rising, most current products lack robust clinical validation. SoluPet aims to change that. 'Pet dementia isn't just a medical issue—it's an emotional one,' said Dr. Paul Dick, SoluPet's Chief Veterinary Science Advisor. 'We believe the science we've developed can truly make a difference in the lives of pets and their families.' The F&B campaign will bring SoluPet's mission to life through brand storytelling, digital outreach, and creative content that elevates the emotional and scientific case for action. As Mohri puts it: 'We believe every dog deserves not just more years—but more good years. That's the future we're fighting for.' F&B's full scope of work includes: brand strategy, positioning, values, proposition, RTBs, launch strategy, communication strategy and creative execution, research and testing, packaging design, e-commerce website design and development and media planning. For more information, visit Social Media: About SoluPet: SoluPet is a science and data driven company focused on transforming pet health care that is revolutionizing the pet sector's companion animal health category with its advanced supplement offering. SoluPet offers pet owners an effective option for easing the progression of debilitating pet conditions like Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
Hospitality Net
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Ashish Pathak has been appointed Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
With over a decade of experience across luxury properties in the Middle East and India, Ashish brings deep expertise and visionary leadership to the role. A seasoned Ritz-Carlton professional, he has held key positions at Al Bustan Palace, Oman and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, consistently driving guest satisfaction and operational success. In his new role, Ashish will oversee all F&B operations at the Dubai property, ensuring the continued delivery of refined dining experiences. He has launched and managed innovative dining concepts while leading teams of over 300 associates. Ashish is known for his focus on team engagement and sustainability, having achieved a 90% employee engagement rate and Green Key certification. He holds a in Hospitality & Hotel Administration from the Institute of Hotel Management, Bhopal. With a passion for service excellence and innovation, Ashish is set to elevate the F&B experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.
