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KERRY RELEASES 2026 REGIONAL TASTE CHARTS: DEFINING THE FUTURE OF FLAVOUR WITH DATA-RICH INSIGHTS

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Close-up of a person biting into a burger made with Kerry ingredients, featuring a sesame bun, beef patty, melted cheese, jalapeños, purple cabbage slaw and dripping sauce against a blue background.

Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has released its 2026 Global Taste Charts, offering the food and beverage industry a detailed view of how flavour is evolving across the Middle East and where innovation is headed next.

Built on the expertise of more than 1,200 scientists, 100 flavourists and extensive consumer research, the 2026 Taste Charts reflect how consumers across the Middle East are eating, drinking and experimenting with flavour. The result is a practical, forward-looking guide designed to help manufacturers respond to fast-moving tastes with clarity and confidence.

As consumer expectations continue to fragment and intensify, the 2026 Taste Charts expand from six to eight categories, covering Refreshing Beverages; Tea & Coffee; Savoury Snacks; Sweet; Sauces & Dressings and Meat. This broader view captures the growing crossover between indulgence and wellness, tradition and novelty, plus global inspiration with local identity, all increasingly shaping flavour decisions in the region.

Flavour Trends in the Middle East

Newstalgia: Tradition Reworked for Today
Comfort flavours are being reimagined through premium formats and modern twists. Across the Middle East, classic flavours such as date, za’atar, cardamom and saffron are appearing in unexpected formats, from date mustard and za’atar ice cream to camel milk pistachio iced coffee. This blend of nostalgia and creativity stirs emotional connection while celebrating cultural identity.

Beyond Burn: Layered Heat, Global Meets Local
Consumers in the Middle East are moving away from one-note spiciness toward more nuanced heat. Paprika-led blends are gaining momentum across snacks, sauces, grilled meats and ready meals, offering smoky, sweet and aromatic complexity inspired by street food traditions. This shift supports richer seasoning systems that deliver depth rather than intensity alone.

Hydration with Character: Fruit-Forward Refreshment
Refreshing fruits continue to play a key role in beverage innovation across the Middle East. Watermelon features prominently in sparkling waters, juices and alcohol-inspired drinks, aligning with demand for clean-label, vibrant, hydrating and naturally sweet thirst quenchers.

Micro Moments of Indulgence
In fast-paced lifestyles, small treats are taking on outsized importance. Across the Middle East, bite-sized energy balls, chilli-lemon snacks, mini desserts and convenient marinated proteins are delivering moments of indulgence and reward without the commitment of full-scale indulgence.

These insights are supported by KerryNow™, a digital platform that allows customers to access Kerry’s flavour portfolio, instantly order samples of trending flavours featured in the 2026 Taste Charts and receive expert support on product applications, regulatory guidance and sample selection.

“The 2026 Taste Charts reflect how consumers are eating and drinking today, with a growing desire for contrast, comfort, depth, and meaning in flavour,” said Pinar Taskin, Marketing Manager, Kerry Middle East, Türkiye and Pakistan. “Designed to support R&D and marketing teams, the 2026 Taste Charts help guide product development that resonates locally while drawing on global flavour cues. Across markets from Türkiye to Saudi Arabia, and from Kuwait to Jordan, we are seeing a stronger use of local flavours reinterpreted with a global twist. By bringing together sensory science, cultural understanding, and real consumption data, the charts highlight where flavours are gaining momentum and how they are being expressed locally. Each year, through the launch of these Taste Charts, we support our customers in moving more confidently from idea to product while keeping pace with evolving tastes across the region.”

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Hospitality

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY & INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH NEWBY TEAS

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This Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day, honour the remarkable women who shape our lives with a gift that invites reflection, connection, and quiet celebration.


Moon Box


Moon Box – This year, International Women’s Day falls within the holy month of Ramadan. Just as the crescent moon marks a new beginning, women continuously nurture, guide, and support us through life’s many cycles. Our Moon Box is a heartfelt way to honour the incredible women who illuminate our lives, just as the moon lights the night sky.

The Gate Calendar

The Gate Calendar – Women open doors to love, wisdom and boundless possibility. Step through an enchanting gate and unlock the magic within, as the majestic doors reveal 30 days of tea indulgence.

Newby Zodiac Collection

Newby Zodiac Collection – Inspired by the timeless fascination with the stars, the Zodiac Collection pairs each sign with a carefully selected luxury tea chosen to reflect the character and personality associated with its constellation. Presented in elegant midnight-blue caddies adorned with Swarovski® crystal constellations, each blend offers a distinctive expression of the zodiac.

Crown Assortment

Crown Assortment – The jewel of Newby’s gifting collection, the Crown Assortment offers an exceptional introduction to the world of tea. Thoughtfully curated, it presents a harmonious selection of black teas, green teas and tisanes, or a combination of all three, each chosen for its depth, character and balance.

Van Gogh Tea Collection


Van Gogh Tea Collection – Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, this exclusive trio of bespoke tea blends is inspired by the celebrated works of Vincent van Gogh. Beautifully presented and available exclusively online, it makes a refined and artistic gift.

Mathew Williamson 

Mathew Williamson – Designed by Matthew Williamson, this vibrant collection celebrates Color, craftsmanship and indulgent tea moments. Each blend offers a sensory journey through carefully layered aromatic ingredients. Available individually or as a complete set of three.

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Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

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The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

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Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

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As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR

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