Where sweet meets sour
Syrups are today firmly established as an essential ingredient for bartenders and mixologists worldwide, enabling these creatives to add flavor, taste and imagination to classic beverages or give new concepts a contemporary twist. We asked seven experts to share their thoughts on all things syrup-related, from trending flavors and industry innovations to how they achieve that perfect balance in a glass. Here’s what they had to say.
Hot Chocolate
Ten chocolatiers and pastry chefs tell us what’s creating a buzz on the scene of our favorite sweet treat, from exotic, imaginative combinations of flavors to non-dairy alternatives and single-origin, ethically sourced cocoa beans.
Travel redefined
The regional travel industry is booming, buoyed by increased confidence, pent-up demand and MENA countries’ successful efforts to position themselves globally as attractive destinations. However, today’s travelers have different requirements, priorities and wish lists. Ten industry experts explain how their hotel brand is adapting to accommodate a new era of guests, while also sharing their far-reaching regional expansion plans.
How to work with Influencers
In today’s landscape, one of the most effective ways to elevate your brand and reach your audience is by working with influencers. Influencers have become key opinion leaders, with the power to influence their followers through the content they share, including their favorite restaurants, products and experiences. For the hospitality sector, tapping into this influential network can be a game-changer, offering unique opportunities to connect with potential customers and increase brand visibility, according to Zena Hamdan, founder and CEO of Against All Odds. Here, she tells us more.
Levantine cuisine fab or fad by Michelin Starred chef Greg Malouf
Michelin-starred chef Greg Malouf, recognized as the master of modern Middle Eastern food and co-author of several internationally acclaimed cookbooks, tackles the question of how Levantine cooking has pushed the boundaries to become an iconic cuisine.
Pulse check Egypt
As the Ukraine war is dragging on into another year, so are the economic troubles of Egypt, highly dependent on imports of wheat and all types of non-food commodities. The Egyptian treasury market was also badly hit, as investors withdrew billions of dollars. The Central Bank could not prevent inflation from reaching an annual surge of 33.9 percent in March, with the Egyptian pound plunging to unprecedented levels. Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains the country’s current state and forecasts its future.
Jordan’s soaring tourism sector
Jordan has become a popular travel destination in the Middle East. It was ranked the sixth Arab country in the 2022 Travel and Tourism Development Index and listed within the top 10 tourist destinations in 2023 by the US Tour Operator Association. Maria Quintero, HVS’ associate – consulting and valuation, provides insights into Jordan’s success and the factors that make it an appealing choice for travelers worldwide.
Uniting Forces between hotels and independent restaurants
With a two decades of revenue management expertise in the hospitality industry, award-winner Judith Cartwright, founder and managing director of Black Coral Consulting, provides food for thought for hoteliers looking to profit from foodie partnerships.
Beirut rebuilds on shaky ground, according to Hodema Consulting Services’ Market F&B Insight Report
The Hodema Market Insight Beirut F&B Report 2023 offers a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the F&B industry in Beirut, Lebanon. It provides valuable insights into the current market trends, growth prospects and key factors influencing the sector in this vibrant Middle Eastern city.
Why budget lifestyle hotels are breaking the mold
With travelers seeking out better lodging experiences and affordable deals, cheap, chic offerings are proving to be the new industry disruptors, as Nada Alameddine, managing partner at Hodema Consulting Services, explains.