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Hospitality
KERRY UNBOXED CAPTURES THE FUTURE OF TASTE AND TECHNOLOGY AT GULFOOD MANUFACTURING 2025
Kerry wrapped up its participation at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 after welcoming visitors to Kerry Unboxed, a live, interactive experience that showed how global food trends, regional tastes, and new technologies are coming together to shape the future of food and drink in the Middle East.
Over three days, Kerry’s booth became a popular spot for visitors, featuring live cooking and barista sessions, expert discussions, and the launch of new flavour innovations inspired by both consumer insights and the next generation’s preferences.
Inspiring the Next Generation with KidZania
One of the highlights this year was Kerry’s partnership with KidZania for the Flavour Detective Co-Creation Workshop, a fun, engaging activity that encouraged children to explore the building blocks of cheese flavour. Their feedback provided broad insights into taste preferences and helped inspire two new innovations: Savoury Parmesan and Creamy Gouda cheese powders.
Both ingredients deliver rich, authentic cheese flavour suited to regional and international snacks. At Gulfood Manufacturing, Kerry showcased a range of product concepts using the powders, demonstrating how children’s natural curiosity can spark ideas and influence the future of family-focused foods.
Innovation, Taste, and Sustainability at the Forefront
(İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East)
On Day 1, İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East, joined industry leaders for the Visionary Leaders in Armchair panel to discuss how collaboration and innovation are changing global food manufacturing.
He explained that for any innovation to succeed, taste, nutrition, and sustainability must work together, noting that taste remains the biggest factor behind consumer choices. He also shared how Kerry’s technologies are helping brands cut cocoa use by up to 20% and sugar by up to 50% while keeping the same taste and quality.
“Our foodservice collaborations let us test and refine ideas quickly, increasing success rates in a region where over 20,000 new products launch each year but only a fraction achieve commercial success,” said Işık. “It’s how we ensure our innovations remain creative, relevant, and commercially viable.”
He added that new health technologies like GLP-1 are changing what people want from their food, creating a stronger demand for high-protein, functional, and affordable products that fit regional preferences.
“We’re focused on scalable innovations that combine great taste, smart nutrition, and cost efficiency,” he said.
Smart Health: Science, Nutrition, and Real-World Application
On Day 2, Professor Imed Gallouzi, Chair of the Smart Health Centre at KAUST and Scientific Advisor to KHNI, expanded on how the future of food is largely driven by innovations prioritizing taste, nutrition and sustainability. He emphasized that taste and nutrition are no longer competing priorities, they must co-exist to meet the demands of the consumer of tomorrow.
“Smart health is becoming an essential part of how future consumers will live, eat, heal, and thrive. Diagnostics, nutrition, and personalized health technologies will help us tailor nutrition plans not only to the person’s health needs but also to their taste. Science-driven nutrition is the bridge between these worlds, and this is where Kerry is leading globally,” said Professor Gallouzi.
Kerry’s work, he said, aligns closely with KAUST’s mission to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world innovation, supporting the Middle East’s growth as a hub for smart-health research and technology.
Kerry’s Continued Commitment to the Region
Kerry Unboxed demonstrated the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Middle East’s food and beverage landscape through innovation, collaboration, and insight. By blending global expertise with local creativity, Kerry continues to support brands in delivering products that are delicious, sustainable, and relevant to consumers’ evolving needs.
“Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 has been a powerful reminder that the future of food in our region is being shaped by collaboration, creativity, and a relentless focus on taste. Sustainable solutions must never compromise on flavor or functionality,” said İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East. “Our ability to rapidly test ideas in foodservice, adapt to new health trends, and deliver affordable, customised nutrition is what sets Kerry apart. We’re proud to help our customers turn global trends into local success stories, and to inspire the next generation of food innovators.”
Hospitality
RENAISSANCE BUSINESS BAY HOTEL, DUBAI UNVEILS RAMADAN EXPERIENCES DESIGNED FOR COMFORT AND CONNECTION
Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai welcomes the holy month with a limited time collection of Ramadan stay experiences and dining offers, designed to bring greater comfort, flexibility, and value throughout the season. Whether planning a restful city stay aligned with fasting routines, gathering for a relaxed Iftar after sunset, or hosting a large corporate celebration, the hotel presents thoughtful options for every occasion during Ramadan.
Iftar Buffet at Podium
For guests gathering after sunset, Podium offers a relaxed Iftar buffet designed for easy Ramadan evenings with family, friends, or colleagues. The spread begins with traditional Ramadan staples, followed by a generous selection of mezze and fresh salads, then comforting mains featuring rice dishes, slow-cooked specialities and grilled favourites. The experience ends on a sweet note with classic Arabic desserts. To finish, guests can enjoy classic Arabic sweets. With no minimum booking requirement, it is a flexible option for both small tables and larger groups, making it suitable for spontaneous plans as well as organised meet ups. Guests can enjoy the buffet at the standard rate of AED 165 per person, with a special corporate, early bird, and promotional rate of AED 125 per person, offering added value for group bookings and weekday gatherings.
- Corporate, early bird and promotional rate: AED 125 per person
- No minimum booking requirement
Ramadan Stay Offer
Created to suit the rhythm of Ramadan, the hotel’s Ramadan Stay Offer combines thoughtful inclusions with practical timings that make each stay feel seamless from arrival to departure. Guests can choose between Iftar, breakfast, or sahur included, allowing the experience to fit individual routines and schedules. For added everyday value, the offer includes AED 50 in food and beverage credit per person, per day, redeemable at selected venues and ideal for relaxed dining moments throughout the stay. With early check in from 10:00 AM and late check out until 4:00 PM, guests are invited to slow down, rest more, and experience the holy month at a calmer pace.
- Iftar, breakfast or sahur included
- Early check in from 10:00 AM and late check out until 4:00 PM
Exclusive Ballroom Iftar
For larger Ramadan gatherings, Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai’s Ballroom Iftar offers a private, spacious setting designed for easy hosting and meaningful time together. Ideal for corporate Iftars, community events, and big family get-togethers, guests can enjoy a generous buffet in a dedicated venue that feels polished and comfortable. With room to gather, connect, and celebrate at scale, it is a considered choice for organisers looking for a seamless group experience with a clear, all in rate and minimal fuss from start to finish
- Minimum booking: 100 guests
- Suitable for: corporate Iftars and large private group bookings
Love deserves a setting as iconic as the moment itself. This Valentine’s Day, Joe’s Café Dubai creates an unforgettable Valentine experience; from golden-hour moments to the sparkle of the fountain shows, every detail unfolds effortlessly. Located in the prestigious Dubai Mall within the Fashion Avenue, the elegant Joe’s Café offers a seamless blend of Knightsbridge sophistication and modern Middle Eastern hospitality.
Overlooking the majestic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, Joe’s Café sets the stage for an intimate celebration designed to linger in memory. Whether it’s your first Valentine together or a tradition you hold close, the experience is thoughtfully curated to bring warmth, flavour, and connection to the forefront.
Guests can indulge in exclusive Valentine’s set menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by thoughtful romantic touches and uninterrupted skyline views. Each Valentine’s menu is crafted to delight the senses offering signature Joe’s Café classics with a romantic twist: strawberry matcha, Joe’s Pancakes, Risotto Al Mare, La Bolognese, Wagyu Rib-Eye Steak, Golden Lobster Risotto and sweet ending- Strawberry Cheesecake or Joe’s Dubai Chocolate.
The experience is elevated further with complimentary Valentine’s gestures including non-alcoholic champagne and table set up with flowers and little surprises, because romance is found in the details.
Date: Valentine’s experience is available from 13th to 15th February, 2026
Time: From 09:00 AM to 12:00AM. Advance booking required to enjoy a complimentary non-alcoholic champagne and decorated table set-up just for you.
Location: Joe’s Café Dubai, Fashion Avenue, First Floor, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Whether it’s a sun-kissed breakfast, a leisurely afternoon lunch, or an enchanting candlelit dinner, Joe’s Café offers a Valentine’s experience where romance flows as seamlessly as the fountain below.
Born on Sloane Street, London in the early 1980s, Joe’s Café brings its iconic fashion-heritage charm to Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall, offering relaxed luxury dining with unrivalled views of Dubai’s most celebrated landmarks.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE LOVE WITH A BESPOKE EXPERIENCE AT INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCES DUBAI BUSINESS BAY
InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay invites couples to an intimate celebration overlooking the Dubai Canal and the iconic city skyline this Valentine’s Day. Priced at AED 3,500 per couple, the Valentine’s package includes a one-night stay in a One-Bedroom Residence Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal View, and breakfast.
The offer also comprises a romantic three-course set menu prepared exclusively for the occasion, accompanied by a bottle of prosecco to toast the evening. The dinner begins with a choice of starters including Salmon Carpaccio, Heirloom Tomato and Burrata, or Clam Chowder. For the main course, couples will indulge in a Surf and Turf of Tomahawk and Grilled Prawns, followed by a decadent dessert of Chocolate Fondue and Molten Chocolate Cake.
Designed for those seeking privacy and distinction, the hotel’s Valentine’s offer focuses on curated moments away from the crowds. Couples can enjoy a bespoke dinner served on a private balcony, providing a front-row seat to the Burj Khalifa and picturesque Dubai Canal.
By combining high-end service with intimate setting, InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay offers a premium romantic escape without the typical bustle of the city dining. This year’s packages are crafted to provide a memorable experience, ensuring every detail, from the view to the menu, feels personal and exclusive.
The Details
- What: Valentine’s Day Escape at InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay
- When: 13th to 15th February
- Inclusions: One-night stay for two in a One Bedroom Residence Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal View, inclusive of breakfast, three-course set menu and a bottle of prosecco
BREAK YOUR FAST WITH MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS AT CUISINES, HOLIDAY INN DUBAI AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT
RENAISSANCE BUSINESS BAY HOTEL, DUBAI UNVEILS RAMADAN EXPERIENCES DESIGNED FOR COMFORT AND CONNECTION
INSIDE THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES HUAWEI FREECLIP THE BEST OPEN-EAR EARBUDS!
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