Monin supplies the industry with a wide variety of products, with over 140 products including premium syrups, gourmet sauces, fruit mixes and frappe powder. Here, GM, Jeremy Colbeck who has been with Monin for six years tells Hotel News ME about the latest flavours to hit the market.
Can you share some details about the company history?
Monin was founded in 1912 by Georges Monin. Today, it is still a very family orientated company with Georges’ grandson Olivier Monin now CEO of the company. Over the years, Monin has created a worldwide business and now the brand is distributed in more than 150 countries, which represents 75% of our business outside France. Thanks to four production facilities, one in the USA which serves The Americas, two in Europe and the last one in Malaysia serving Asia and now Middle East and India; we are very close to our customers. After more than 10 years working in the region, we opened in November 2015 a regional and corporate office and Beverage Studio in Dubai in order to strengthen and support our development. 
What products and services do you provide to the hospitality industry?
We have a wide range of products available with over 140 products including premium syrups, gourmet sauces, fruit mixes and frappe powders. Monin products are made with pure sugar and we have a very strict selection process for ingredients and suppliers to provide the best quality to all the markets. Quality remains a keystone for us: Georges Monin lived by the slogan ‘a passion for quality’ and the company he founded has never strayed far from his motto. With our qualitative and creative flavours, and thanks to a team of 20 beverage innovation directors and managers and a network of 80 local ambassadors/beverage specialists, Monin has access to worldwide trends and the ability to act locally by responding quickly to customers’ and partners’ needs. This is done by developing drinks offers and menus, devising customised seasonal promotions, training sessions and quality checking. There are four Beverage Innovation Directors and Managers working for Monin in this region and a network of 23 beverage specialist.
What factors differentiate the company from other suppliers?
Investing in people has brought us significant success to date, with nine people reporting to this office, and we are very close to our partners and customers too, which is key for us. Investment is also important and we have hired four beverage managers based in Dubai, Lebanon and India.
Can you name your top-seller and some of its key features?
Monin Strawberry Syrup is an old-time favourite product for us in this region and beyond. The versatility of the product is its key feature as it can be used in many different applications such as refreshing flavoured mojitos, lemonades, iced-teas, smoothies, milkshakes and as well culinary applications. The potential for creativity is endless!
Which countries across the region do you supply to, and where are your key source markets?
All over the world, we work with exclusive partners and this applies as well in the Middle East. Today, thanks to our distribution network, we are available in all countries in the Middle East with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt some of the biggest markets. In Qatar and Lebanon we have seen positive numbers and investments.
What new products and announcements should we know about?
Always ahead of its time in the use of technology and the creative development of new products and applications, Monin has carved out a reputation as a creative flavour solution provider. During Gulfood 2016 we launched a new Gourmet Milk Chocolate Sauce and a Yuzu fruit mix. Right now, we are launching a new Monin Popcorn syrup and a Monin Cherry Fruit Mix.
