082 | Alice Bidini | Bringing Non-Alc Cocktail Culture to Saudi Arabia | Four Seasons Riyadh

The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast is a leading drinks business podcast, listened to in 120 countries worldwide with 125+ episodes. Honest conversations about how the industry actually works, from the bar and what it means for the boardroom.This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS.In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, we dive into the complexities and innovations within the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Joined by guest Alice Bidini, we explore the challenges and strategies of introducing new drink trends in emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia. We discuss the importance of understanding local taste profiles and consumer behavior, especially in culturally diverse regions like Stockholm and Riyadh. Highlights include our experiences in the evolving bar scene, the innovative concept of a female-only staffed bar at the Four Seasons in Riyadh, and the cultural shift needed to accept new beverage trends. Alice shares her journey of pioneering drink trends, shedding light on building consumer trust and adapting to local preferences. Tune in to learn about reshaping traditional beverage offerings and the satisfaction of turning hesitant consumers into loyal patrons. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:28 Managing Expectations in the Bar Industry 03:44 The Bar Scene in Saudi Arabia 06:45 Challenges of Non-Alcoholic Spirits 10:53 Consumer Behavior and Marketing 13:28 Dining and Drinking Culture in Saudi Arabia 15:03 Creating a New Beverage Culture 15:25 The Italian Espresso Bar Experience in Stockholm 17:28 Introducing Aperol Spritz in Prague 18:39 Navigating Local Drinking Cultures 19:37 The Role of Experts in Riyadh's Cocktail Scene 22:00 Trends in the Bar Industry 23:36 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans About The Host: Chris Maffeo About The Guest: Alice Bidini Wanna know what the conversation above means for your team? It's in the paid section.For €100 a year you get access to Maffeo Confidential (Private Podcast) and get this analysis and access to the full archive of 125 episodes, each one translated from industry conversation into the commercial decisions underneath it. Find out more at maffeodrinks.com