Experts in the bar and nightlife industry have debated whether the number of beverage suppliers needed to be increased to allow for further choice and brands in the market.
Gates Hospitality CEO Naim Maadad, who was moderating a panel at the recent Caterer Bar & Nightlife Forum, asked whether the industry found the beverage supply chain sufficient, and whether they had choices in brands and more.
Whissle group bars manager Thomas Gillgren said: "Hospitality has grown so much [here]; maybe we could look at a third or fourth player to get the full variety in all our bars, restaurants and nightclubs. So yes we need to look at that. It’s like a monopoly – you can get one brand from one supplier."
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Paul Bradley, assistant manager – beverage, Mint Leaf of London agreed with Gillgren and said it's a dual concern where if there were more suppliers, would venues still be in a position to get more brands? He also added that there was an issue with external controls on what bars can and cannot stock.
Maadad asked whether the market was ready for a variety of beverages, and Toko general manager Ghazi Azzabi said it was. He said: "Some of the brands which are well marketed around the world are also known here and ready to enter the market.
"It’s also about giving the product a lifestyle spin. Dubai is very much a lifestyle city. We are continually looking at the brands behind our bars to ensure they are always offering the best brands but also in response to our guests and customer base."
The Bar & Nightlife Forum was in its third annual year, and was sponsored by A. Ronai, Pulsar Foodstuff, Meiko and Direct Hotel Supplies.
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