Why He Left Oil & Gas for Champagne | Ben Kouider (E166)

Send us Fan MailChef JKP sits down with Ben Kouider, Founder of Champavin.Ben shares how he went from engineering and oil and gas to building a business around champagne in the UAE.They talk about Normandy, family food memories, global travel, leaving corporate life, grower champagne, and the biggest mistakes people make when drinking champagne.This is a story about food, reinvention, and understanding champagne beyond the label.WHAT YOU WILL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE• Growing up in Normandy and the food traditions that shaped Ben's childhood• Studying engineering, sales and international commerce• Building a global career in the oil and gas industry• Working across cultures, countries and complex international projects• How travel and food deepened his appreciation for wine and hospitality• Discovering the world of champagne and the growers behind it• Leaving oil and gas to build Champavin in the UAE• The biggest misconceptions people have about champagne todayCHAPTERS03:31 Childhood food memories and his mother’s gratin14:15 Science, hip hop and learning how to express himself28:35 The pressure, politics and problem-solving of oil and gas42:55 Building Champavin and bringing grower champagne to the UAE56:44 The biggest champagne mistake people make01:06:13 Champagne education, memberships and building a culture01:18:06 How to choose champagne based on grape, style and taste01:36:38 Quick fire round01:41:49 Advice for people starting their champagne journeyFOLLOW THE GUESTBen KouiderInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/benchampagnes/FOLLOW CHEF JKPInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcastLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/james-knight-paccheco-447b1b17TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jamesknightpacchecoPROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY VALRHONAValrhona partners with chefs and artisans to elevate chocolate through craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to a more sustainable cocoa industry.Website:https://www.valrhona.com/en/valrhona-middle-east-africa-and-indiaSUPPORT THE SHOWStay hydrated with the Chef JKP thermos flask.Get yours here: https://pay.ziina.com/chefjkp/RKwVHDfpNFood is memories. 🍸Support the showFollow The Chef JKP Podcast on Instagram HERE