Exclusive interview with Soniya Ashar, Founder, NutriCal

Congratulations on NutriCal’s contribution to Armani/Mediterraneo’s success in the DM Food Elite Programme! Can you share how NutriCal became involved with this prestigious initiative?

Thank you so much! We’re incredibly proud to have been a part of Armani/Mediterraneo’s journey in the DM Food Elite Programme. While NutriCal played a key role, credit equally goes to Emaar Hospitality and their forward-thinking team—particularly their Head of Hygiene, Sustainability, and Culinary. They were already planning to move ahead with a brand-wide commitment to transparency, sustainability, and high standards. When NutriCal came on board, we were able to execute that vision swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that their goals aligned with the rigorous criteria of the DM Food Elite Programme. It was truly a team effort, and it’s rewarding to see the results of such a collaborative partnership.

What specific challenges did NutriCal face while working with Armani/Mediterraneo to meet the program’s rigorous criteria? How were these overcome?

One of the main challenges was the alignment of different functions—culinary, sustainability, and hygiene—all working towards the same goal under a very tight timeline. Emaar Hospitality’s team, led by their Head of Hygiene, Sustainability, and Culinary, had already laid out a clear vision for brand-wide transparency, and NutriCal was brought in to help execute that vision quickly and precisely. This alignment was crucial, as it required a seamless collaboration between our team and theirs to ensure every part of the operation met the program’s rigorous standards.

We also faced the challenge of conducting an accurate, detailed analysis of the nutritional content and traceability of every ingredient and recipe. The program required that we not only meet high nutritional standards but also ensure that every ingredient could be traced back to its source, which added a layer of complexity. To overcome this, we implemented a robust tracking system and worked closely with the culinary team to refine recipes without compromising the quality or integrity of the dishes.

Finally, with such tight timelines, it was essential to maintain precision and speed. By staying agile, maintaining open communication, and focusing on data-driven solutions, we were able to meet the program’s strict criteria and deliver results within the required timeframe. The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved made all the difference in overcoming these challenges.

Dubai Municipality highlighted sustainability, food safety, and innovation as key pillars of the award. How did NutriCal approach these areas to help Armani/Mediterraneo achieve 1st place?

NutriCal is a food intelligence platform that leverages data and AI to optimize all aspects of food operations. For food safety, we ensured complete traceability of ingredients, including allergen checks, using our tech-driven platform to monitor and mitigate risks in real-time. On the nutrition front, we provided data-backed insights to refine dishes, ensuring they met health standards while staying true to Armani/Mediterraneo’s luxurious brand. For sustainability, our platform helped streamline sourcing, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact across operations. By integrating food safety, nutrition, and sustainability with cutting-edge technology, we supported their success in achieving 1st place.

NutriCal played a pivotal role in ensuring nutritional precision and operational excellence. Can you elaborate on how your expertise in these areas translated into success for the restaurant?

NutriCal’s expertise in recipe management and operations was key to ensuring both nutritional precision and operational excellence at Armani/Mediterraneo. We worked closely with their culinary, food safety, hygiene, and sustainability teams to create a seamless workflow that ensured every dish was not only nutritionally balanced but also compliant with stringent regulations. The larger the operation, the more important it is to stay organized, and we helped streamline their processes to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Traceability and transparency were super important, both from a regulatory standpoint and to align with Armani/Mediterraneo’s commitment to high standards. Our platform enabled full traceability of ingredients, ensuring that every item could be tracked from source to plate. This level of transparency is critical, not just for compliance but also for maintaining the quality and safety of every dish.

What distinguishes NutriCal’s approach to food safety compliance and sustainability from other players in the industry?

What sets NutriCal apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just tick boxes for compliance; we go a step further to build a culture of food safety and sustainability that becomes part of our partners’ DNA. We help businesses implement real-time monitoring systems that track food safety standards and reduce risk, and we’re always looking for innovative ways to source more sustainably. 

Additionally our unique blend of cutting-edge AI, data, and technology with a deep understanding of the human side of food operations. While our platform provides powerful tools for tracking ingredients, managing recipes, and ensuring compliance, we also recognize the importance of working closely with client teams—chefs, food safety experts, and sustainability officers. This collaboration ensures that technology is implemented effectively and tailored to the specific needs of the operation, driving success in real-world settings.

We also keep a sharp focus on the health and safety of every consumer. Our technology tracks not only food safety but also regulations that directly impact consumer well-being, from allergens to proper ingredient sourcing. This dual approach—leveraging both technology and human insight—ensures that we not only meet regulatory standards but also create dining experiences that are safe, healthy, and sustainable.

How does this award align with NutriCal’s broader mission and vision for the future of the food and hospitality sectors?

This award is a huge step in the right direction for us. At NutriCal, we envision a future where the food and hospitality sectors lead in terms of health, sustainability, and operational excellence. Winning this award with Armani/Mediterraneo is a perfect example of what’s possible when we align those values with high-end dining. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s changing the way people think about food—where the focus is on creating healthy, sustainable dining experiences that also deliver on flavor and luxury. It’s a reflection of our broader vision to make these practices the new standard in the industry.

Collaboration was central to this achievement. Can you describe your experience working with the culinary and sustainability teams at Armani/Mediterraneo?

The collaboration with the culinary and sustainability teams at Armani/Mediterraneo was honestly a highlight of the whole project. From day one, everyone was so open and eager to innovate, which made the process a true partnership. We worked hand-in-hand with the chefs to adjust recipes and make sure they met the nutritional criteria while still reflecting the restaurant’s bold, sophisticated style. The sustainability team was equally passionate about minimizing environmental impact, and we were able to come up with creative solutions together, like reducing food waste and using more sustainable packaging. It was a fantastic, collaborative effort that I believe really contributed to our success.

In your view, how does NutriCal’s work contribute to setting a new standard for the hospitality industry in Dubai and beyond?

NutriCal is leading the charge in setting new industry standards that seamlessly balance sustainability, food safety, and nutrition with culinary excellence. Through our innovative use of AI and data technology, we’re reshaping how the hospitality industry approaches food safety, transparency, and sustainability. Our platform ensures that restaurants not only meet the latest regulatory standards but also drive innovation in sourcing, waste management, and food safety protocols.

While this project was based in Dubai, the impact of our work with Armani/Mediterraneo extends globally, serving as a powerful example of how the hospitality industry can integrate sustainability and health-focused practices at every level. At the core of our approach is a consumer-centric mindset, where the demand for transparency and sustainability is becoming a defining factor in dining experiences. NutriCal’s work is part of a broader cultural shift that is transforming the way people think about food, making healthier and more sustainable choices an integral part of the culinary world.