Experts have said there are not many disadvantages in Dubai’s alcohol supplier market, and added that they are comfortable with the service and products offered by MMI and African + Eastern.

“We have over 175 exclusive wines, which MMI supplies to us and are quite happy with the system. We share a good relationship with both suppliers, and could not complain about the workings of it," said Olivier Gasselin, head of wine Middle East & Asia, Hakkasan.

Ian McEvoy, group director of beverage, Jumeirah Group, shared similar sentiments. He said: “We have no issues with the suppliers or the supply chain, for us, the challenge always lies in getting the stock on time.”

Gasselin and McEvoy were panellists at a session that was part of the Caterer Middle East Bar & Nightlife Forum 2015, which was chaired by Halil Asar, general manager, Intersect by Lexus.

The panel also unanimously agreed that the demand for wines is still high in the emirate. “Expensive or fine wines are looked at as benchmarks, guests judge your menu based on the wines you have on offer. They might not always buy the bottle,” said McEvoy.

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“It’s extremely important to offer a strong product with good value. It’s important to get your expectations right. At Jumeriah, we offer a wide range of wines at varying price points,” he added.

Contrary to popular belief, the experts said expensive wine finds buyers more often than perceived by the public. “There are some extremely expensive wines, but they appeal to the true connoisseurs. There are times, we have people buying a bottle worth thousands. However, it’s not to say they sell in high quantities, I used to order enough stock to last me two years, but I have reduced by demand to last me for six months, said Gasselin.

The panel felt wine is still a firm favourite amongst guests, and quashed the notion that its demand is on the decline. “In fact, it has steadily risen. On the other hand, if we consider champagne, its demand has drastically reduced since 2008,” said McEvoy.

“But, we cannot ignore the strong rise in demand, and consumption, of premium spirits amongst customers,” said Gasselin. Recently, there has been a huge demand for vodka in the market, they said.

Read the full report of the Caterer Bar & Nightlife Forum in the November issue of Caterer Middle East.