Hospitality

Designing the Next Generation of Functional, Future-Ready Foods

Published

4 months ago

December 3, 2025

A wide view of a modern luxury lounge, TIMELESS, featuring a curved bar with a sculptural travertine counter, plush low seating, sophisticated warm lighting, and minimalist desert-inspired decor.

Exclusive interview with İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East

You’ve spoken about the balance between taste, functionality, and sustainability. What technological advances are helping Kerry achieve sustainable innovation without compromising flavour or performance?

At Kerry, sustainability and taste are inseparable. Our Tastesense™ portfolio enables up to 50% sugar and salt reduction while preserving flavour integrity. We combine biotechnology, fermentation, and enzymology to extend shelf life and reduce food waste, supporting circular economy goals. Proprietary tools like Kerry NutriGuide model nutritional impact during reformulation, ensuring healthier profiles without trade-offs. These innovations are embedded in our Smart Taste™ platform, which addresses cost, supply, and regulatory pressures while maintaining indulgent taste. For example, our Cocoa Booster technology allows up to 20% cocoa reduction, mitigating volatility and lowering carbon footprint without compromising sensory experience.

Ingredient volatility — such as fluctuating cocoa and sugar prices — remains a major industry challenge. How is Kerry using R&D and data-led formulation to help manufacturers manage supply and cost risks?

Cocoa prices have surged by over 300% in the past year, and sugar markets remain highly volatile due to global supply constraints and regulatory pressures. Kerry addresses these challenges through a combination of predictive formulation tools like NutriGuide and advanced ingredient technologies.

For cocoa, our Cocoa Booster solutions enable up to 20% cocoa reduction without compromising indulgent taste or compliance. For sugar, our Tastesense™ technology delivers up to 50% sugar reduction, helping manufacturers manage cost exposure without compromising on taste while meeting consumer demand for healthier profiles.

These strategies not only reduce reliance on volatile raw materials but also improve manufacturing efficiency, delivering cost savings of up to 24% in bakery applications, while ensuring consistent quality, sustainability, and great taste.

Kerry’s approach to innovation often begins in foodservice before scaling to retail. How does this process work in practice, and what tools or insights make it effective?

Foodservice is our innovation incubator. Concepts validated in quick-service and casual dining channels, where trends emerge fastest, are adapted for retail using Taste Charts, Trendspotter AI, and Kerry Kalaido®, our generative AI concepting tool. These tools accelerate ideation-to-launch by combining consumer insights, sensory science, and chef-led prototyping. At Gulfood, we showcased Gold Brew Qahwa and Nashville Chicken Chips, examples of foodservice-inspired ideas scaled for retail through Kerry’s integrated RD&A network and global manufacturing footprint.

With the rise of GLP-1 health trends and growing demand for high-protein, functional products, how is Kerry adapting its strategy to meet new consumer nutrition needs?

GLP-1 adoption is reshaping consumer priorities toward satiety, digestive health, and metabolic support. Kerry’s Proactive Health platform delivers science-backed solutions like BC30™ probiotics for protein absorption, Eupoly-3™ omega-3s for heart health, and Tastesense™ masking solutions to improve flavour in high-protein, reduced-sugar formulations. Our proprietary research identifies five GLP-1 consumer personas, guiding innovation in formats such as protein bars, functional beverages, and meal replacements. At Gulfood, concepts like the Hot Honey Power Bar demonstrated how indulgence and functionality can coexist.

Kerry recently partnered with KidZania on the Kids Flavour Detective Workshop. How do initiatives like this help your teams understand emerging taste preferences and design products for future generations?

The Kids Flavour Detective Workshop gave us direct access to Gen Alpha’s flavour preferences through hands-on co-creation. Gen Alpha has more active taste buds and higher sensitivity to sweet, bitter, umami and spicy compounds. Insights from this activation helped us develop new cheese powder concepts, Savoury Parmesan and Creamy Gouda, featured at Gulfood. These initiatives ensure our innovation pipeline reflects the evolving tastes of younger consumers, enabling brands to future-proof their portfolios with flavours that resonate across generations.

Collaboration with research institutions such as KAUST and KHNI highlights Kerry’s investment in science-driven innovation. How do these partnerships translate bioscience and smart-health research into everyday food solutions?

Our partnerships with KAUST and the Kerry Health & Nutrition Institute (KHNI) accelerate breakthroughs in microbiome science, cellular biology, and functional ingredient development. These collaborations underpin innovations like personalised AI nutrition platforms, clean-label reformulation, and functional ingredients for better health. By embedding cutting-edge science into everyday application, from sugar reduction systems to hydration solutions, we deliver solutions that meet consumer health needs without compromising taste.

Looking ahead, what does the future of food manufacturing look like to you — and how will Kerry continue to lead the transformation of the region’s food ecosystem?

The future is digital, sustainable, and personalised. Expect AI-driven predictive analytics, carbon reduction strategies, and bioscience-led nutrition to dominate. Kerry will continue to lead by combining taste leadership, sustainability, and science-backed innovation, shaping a resilient food ecosystem for MENAT and beyond. Our ambition is clear: to reach two billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030, while enabling customers to deliver products that are better for people, society, and the planet.

Hospitality

A RELAXING POOLSIDE RETREAT AT PALACE DOWNTOWN

Published

2 days ago

March 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Enjoy a relaxing day under the Dubai sun with the Pool Pass at Palace Downtown, available on food and beverages. Perfect for a leisurely daytime escape, the offer allows guests to indulge in refreshing drinks and light bites while unwinding in a serene poolside setting in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Surrounded by palm trees and the hotel’s elegant Arabian-inspired architecture, the pool at Palace Downtown offers a tranquil oasis with breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. With its peaceful atmosphere, comfortable loungers, and attentive service, the pool creates the perfect setting for a sun-soaked retreat blending relaxation with refined hospitality.

Date & time: Monday & Sunday | 7am – 7pm
Price: AED 250 (fully redeemable on F&B credit) | Location: Ground Floor, Palace Downtown

Sun-Soaked Poolside Escape at Address Downtown

Enjoy a refreshing day in the heart of the city with the Pool Pass at Address Downtown, available daily at AED 350 per person, fully redeemable on food and beverages. Perfect for a leisurely daytime retreat, the offer allows guests to indulge in poolside dining while relaxing in a sophisticated setting overlooking Downtown Dubai.

Surrounded by elegant design and breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa skyline, the pool at Address Downtown offers a serene urban oasis. With its tranquil atmosphere, comfortable loungers, and attentive service, it provides the perfect setting to unwind, soak up the sunshine, and experience a relaxed yet refined poolside escape.

Date & time: Monday & Sunday | 7am – 7pm
Price: AED 350 (fully redeemable on F&B credit) | Location: LobbyLevel, Address Downtown

Contemporary Mediterranean Flavours at Solara, Address Dubai Mall

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Downtown Dubai, Solara at Address Dubai Mall invites guests to discover a contemporary Mediterranean dining experience infused with Middle Eastern flair. The stylish restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, creating the perfect setting for an elegant evening.

Guests can enjoy a specially curated two-course set menu for AED 199 per person or a three-course set menu, available for dinner from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Designed to highlight Solara’s vibrant flavours and refined culinary style, the experience promises a memorable night of exceptional cuisine in one of Downtown Dubai’s most scenic dining destinations.

Experience: The Luncheon

2 course set menu at AED 199 | 3 course set menu at AED 249 | Timing: From 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM | Location: Solara, Address Dubai Mall

Discover a Renewed Haven of Calm at The Spa at Address Dubai Mall

The Spa at Address Dubai Mall unveils a refined wellness experience designed to restore balance and elevate relaxation. Nestled within the iconic hotel, the serene setting enhanced by soft lighting, soothing textures, and graceful interiors offers a peaceful retreat from the energy of the city, inviting guests to unwind and reconnect in a tranquil atmosphere.

Guests can indulge in expertly delivered treatments tailored for deep rejuvenation, including the Signature Wellness Rebalance Massage, a 60-minute experience available at AED 450. Thoughtfully designed to restore harmony, the treatment provides the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and embrace a moment of calm within one of Downtown Dubai’s most elegant wellness destinations

Experience: 60-Minute selected Spa Treatment

Price: AED 450 | Timing: From 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Location: The Spa, Address Dubai Mall

Cool Off in Style with Pool Access & Dining Credit at Address Dubai Mall

Immerse yourself in pure indulgence at Address Dubai Mall’s breathtaking infinity pool, where shimmering waters meet the glamour of Downtown Dubai. Bask in the golden sun as you take in the spellbinding views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, creating picture-perfect moments of serenity and sophistication. Enhance your experience with an exclusive pool access pass that comes with a delightful dining credit to tantalize your taste buds.

Relax in the comfort of elegant poolside lounges, sip on refreshing beverages, and savor gourmet delights while basking in the most coveted views in the city. Float effortlessly in the infinity waters or unwind in breezy, sun-kissed lounges, where every moment is a scene of pure bliss waiting to be savored. No reservations required; simply stroll in and surrender to luxury. Pool access passes are available at the Pool Counter on Level 12.

Date & time: Daily | 10am – 7pm | Price: All 7 Days of the week- AED 200, fully redeemable on F&B credit | Location: Level 12, Address Dubai Mall

Hospitality

A SUNDAY BRUNCH FOR KIDS: BAMBINI BRUNCH AT FALCONE

Published

2 days ago

March 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

FALCONE invites Dubai families to join with their little ones for a special kids’ brunch afternoon 1pm – 4pm at FALCONE: “Bambini Brunch”. An afternoon dedicated for kids to have fun away in the heart of Italian cuisine featuring children’s all-time favourite: pizza.

Now that Dubai kids are studying from home due to the current challenging situation, they are more than ever spending time on screens. Bambini Brunch is the perfect weekend activity for kids to get them off screens and engage in fun, hands-on interactive activities that stimulate their creativity while they’re making unforgettable memories.

Activities include a pizza masterclass for kids (that adults would love too), showcasing the original Neapolitan pizza recipe and techniques, as taught by FALCONE’s world-ranked pizza chef, Chef Roberta, the talent behind FALCONE’s pizza that was named Dubai’s Best Pizza, Highly Commended for Best Pizzeria at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2026. Kids will get to learn directly from the chefs and make their own pizzas.

In addition to the pizza masterclass, children can enjoy DIY kids’ stations, all set within a lively and engaging atmosphere, with their favourite tunes playing throughout the afternoon.

While their kids are enjoying the kids’ activities, parents can relax and enjoy FALCONE’s comforting Italian favourites.

Bambini Brunch is happening this Sunday 29 March, 1pm – 4pm. All ages are welcome.

Details:

Where: FALCONE, Galleria Mall, Ground Floor, Al Barsha, Dubai
When: Sunday 29 March, 1pm – 4pm
Offer: Bambini brunch for kids featuring:
- Pizza masterclass for kids
- Magician show
- DIY kids’ stations
- Balloon bending

Hospitality

WELLBEINGS HOLISTIC HEALING AT EDITION DUBAI PRESENTS A “WELLNESS ESCAPE”

Published

2 days ago

March 26, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

In a moment where the world calls for greater stillness and intention, Wellbeings Holistic Healing at Edition Dubai introduces Wellness Escape, an elevated experience designed to restore balance through refined simplicity and thoughtful care.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Burj Khalifa, this exclusive offering by Wellbeings Holistic Healing invites guests into a serene sanctuary where time slows and wellbeing takes precedence. The experience includes pool access with sweeping skyline views, a 90-minute signature massage or rejuvenating facial, an oxygen therapy session designed to refresh and restore, AED 150 redeemable on food and beverage, and full access to the spa’s sauna and steam facilities, each element curated to deliver a seamless sense of indulgence and calm.

Rooted in a philosophy that blends holistic therapies with contemporary luxury, Wellbeings Holistic Healing continues to define elevated wellness experiences, creating spaces that nurture both body and mind in an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

Christian Kiefer, CEO and Founder of Spa Wellness Project Management, commented: “In times of uncertainty, true luxury lies in the ability to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect. Wellness today is about creating meaningful moments of restoration that resonate long after the experience itself.”

The Wellness Escape presents a refined expression of modern wellbeing for those seeking both escape and renewal in the heart of Dubai.