Suppliers

AUDI CATERING EMBARKS ON A NEW CHAPTER LED BY KARIM AUDI

Nicolas Audi Catering, renowned for its signature finesse and devotion to perfection, is venturing into the frozen ready-meal market thanks to the vision of Karim Audi, who is propelling his father, Nicolas Audi's legacy, forward. With a degree in hospitality management from Glion Institute of Higher Education and eight years’ experience working for his father, he decided to launch the new product line “Ready To Eat Just Heat” by Nicolas Audi.

Tell us about your newly launched product line and the inspiration behind it.

"Nicolas Audi Catering’s new retail product, “Ready To Eat Just Heat” by Nicolas Audi, is a frozen ready-meal selection inspired by our dishes. Each dish can feed up to two persons. The box contains two frozen vacuumed sealed bags, which need to be dipped in boiling water for 15 minutes, before being cut open and served.

The idea came during the COVID-19 lockdown, as we were trying to come up with sales alternatives to survive the economic crisis that ravaged the country. Someone very close to me proposed the idea, and I developed it.

How are you planning to distribute the product locally and/or internationally? What is your strategy?

CARREFOUR TO SOURCE MORE ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEGETABLES FOR ITS CUSTOMERS

Carrefour, operated by Majid Al Futtaim in the UAE, has underscored its commitment to supporting local farmers and providing healthier organic products by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Bio Farm — the largest private organic farm in the UAE. The partnership will see Carrefour source up to 450 tons of Emirates Bio Farm organic produce, which is expected to lead to more affordable prices at Carrefour stores. Emirates Bio Farm is leading organic agriculture in the UAE through its farming methods by producing chemical-free crops while also protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity. The partnership illustrates Carrefour’s multipronged approach to supporting sustainable agriculture in the UAE.

The agreement falls in line with Majid Al Futtaim’s strategy to support local farmers in the UAE, and complements a further MoU signed with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to increase the availability of local produce across Carrefour stores in the country.

In sourcing more organic local produce from Emirates Bio Farm, Carrefour UAE is elevating the nation’s food security by supporting local farmers and reducing its food miles. Last year, Carrefour opened the region's first instore hydroponic farm at Yas Mall, reiterating the company’s commitment to driving environmental sustainability. carrefour.com

NESTLE: AN ONGOING COFFEE INNOVATION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto has officially launched its new automatic ultra-compact Genio S Plus coffee machine in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman. In addition to creating professional quality coffees at home, consumers can now customize their drink with the intuitive LED control ring, by selecting the level of intensity and opting for the espresso boost feature for a more intense cup of coffee.

“Genio S Plus is crafted for consumers who are looking for a powerful and stylish yet affordable coffee shop at home machine which combines the best in class innovative technologies,” said Raef Labaky, Nestlé business executive manager, coffee & beverages for the Middle East and North Africa.

NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Genio S Plus offers nearly 20 premium coffee creations, whether you like your coffee short, long, black or white. Enjoy a choice of bold Espresso, intense Espresso, aromatic Lungo and full-bodied Grande, frothy Cappuccino and smooth Latte Macchiato, or even hot chocolate beverages. dolcegusto-me.com/ae

The product is now available locally; we are currently distributing it to Spinneys branches. In the coming weeks, it will be available online and at other points of sale. Our main goal is to sell internationally; we are currently working on export deals and are open to new offers. We will release new varieties and flavors in the coming months. nicolasaudi.com

IN BRIEF

Pinot Noir St Thomas 2015 receives Silver Medal Pinot Noir St Thomas 2015, the first pinot noir in Lebanon, was awarded a silver medal at the 26th edition of Vinalies Internationales - Paris 2020.Every year, the Union of French Oenologists organizes one of the most prestigious competitions in the wine world: the Vinalies Internationales Competition, which has become one of the industry's major events since its launch in 1994. Over four days, the jury members, all experts in sensorial analysis, gather together each morning under the presidency of a French wine specialist to blind taste wines from all four corners of the world. Boosted by the competition’s far-reaching reputation, the medalwinning bottles are sold throughout the world and are highly appreciated both by distributors and consumers. chateaustthomas.com

Intertek launches Protek Intertek has recently launched Protek, the first health, safety and wellbeing assurance program in the world, which is intended to protect people, workplaces and public spaces. This includes its POSI Check audit solution which helps in the Prevention of the Spread of Infection (POSI). Protek is the first comprehensive offering of assurance services designed to provide businesses across all industry sectors, employees and consumers the confidence they need to operate in the post-COVID-19 ‘new normal’. intertek.com