Asian flavours are going to be a main feature of the Middle East beverage scene this summer, according to two industry professionals.
Gourmet flavourings provider Monin’s beverage innovation director for Asia Pacific, Andrew Yiu, and beverage innovation manager for China, Quyang Zhian, visited Dubai last month to hold a beverage demonstration and tasting for key industry players.
“We gathered local bartenders together to introduce some new ingredient ideas for beverages, such as curry, which has quite a perfumed spiciness; herbs like thyme, rosemary and basil; and different spices like cinnamon, chilli or ginger,” explained Yiu.
“The Middle East gets a lot of influences from both Asia and Europe, being between the two, and I think there’s potential to introduce more.”
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Yiu identified tea as a key beverage trend for the summer months.
“Flavoured teas are popular drinks in hot countries, because tea has a very refreshing quality. This is what makes it so suitable for both Asia and the Middle East,” he noted.
Zhian predicted that smoothies would also be a big hit across the region.
“It’s an ideal drink for hot places and you can make it in a variety of flavours,” he said.
Yiu added that he foresaw the industry moving towards creating more visually-appealing drinks as well.
“We’re going to see a focus on simple yet innovative garnishes to decorate drinks,” he said. “It’s a quick, easy way to make real difference and draw the customer in.”
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