UAE Beverage Society launched

A group of 10 F&B experts, bartenders, beverage suppliers and training experts in the UAE have come together to help further develop the country’s bar and beverage sector.

Under the banner of the UAE Beverage Society (UAEBS), this group aims to lead the way “towards a more prosperous future for the bar and beverage industry within our parts of the world, said Felix Hartmann, assistant F&B manager, Mina A'Salam & Souk in Dubai and one of the founding members of UAEBS.

Hartmann explained: “Since there is a long road to go, we have decided to give this project to the capable hands of colleagues and key people from the UAE. bar industry who have proven over the last few years their obligation and drive to bring projects, competitions and brands persistently forward and speak up independently, regardless of employer, about concerns and progress of our industry”.

The move to set up UAEBS was taken after a visit to Dubai by International Bartenders Association (IBA) Europe vice president Ron Busman, which was facilitated by Fresh Express and Monin.

Busman hosted a roundtable of bartenders (see Caterer Middle East December 2010), who expressed their frustration at not being eligible for IBA membership for the UAE because of regulations regarding the establishment of associations that met IBA criteria.

The bartenders said they looked to the IBA to offer help and guidance in setting up an association and also to help with recruitment and training, which they said was sadly lacking.

Russell Sanchez, head bartender, Buddha Bar Dubai said at the event: “We have identified the problem. The solution is the IBA. You can do something to make this happen in Dubai. I give you that mission”.

Hartmann has informed Busman of the new UAEBS and the plan is to work together to set up a chapter of the IBA in the UAE.

The 10 members of the UAEBS, who have pledged their personal commitment to being part of a board, are:

• Ulric Nijs, brand manager, Focus Brands
• Rebecca Sturt, Intl. bar training and development manager, MMI
• Glenn Gabiola, assistant manager Grand Hyatt Dubai, and Mastah Dubai Bartender Association
• Nikolas Pazvadis, assistant manager, ZUMA Dubai,
• Felix Hartmann, assistant F&B manager, Madinat Jumeirah

• Sasha Aleksandar Milovanovic, beverage brand manager, Fresh Express
• Dominik MJ Schachtsiek, bar manager and beverage expert, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
• Russel Sanchez, head bartender, Buddha Bar Dubai & Mastah Dubai Bartender Association
• Ghaith Zedan, beverage sales manager, Fresh Express
• Giovanni Deperagola, beverage training manager, MMI