Why Not Drink Local? with Maryam Ahmed

We champion eating locally, but why don't we think about drinking locally in the same way? In this episode of Strategy Sessions, we sit down with Maryam Ahmed, founder of Maryam + Company, to explore the ideas behind her Bon Appétit op-ed article, “We Champion Eating Locally. Why Not Drinking Local?” We discuss why local wine and beverage producers often struggle to gain the same visibility as local farmers and food producers, and how restaurants, retailers, and hospitality businesses can use beverage programs to tell a stronger story about place. Maryam also challenges us to think beyond the bottle and consider the broader economic and cultural impact of what we choose to pour. From distribution and purchasing practices to sustainability, community-building, and the guest experience, this conversation explores how drinking local can become a meaningful extension of the farm-to-table movement and a powerful way for hospitality businesses to create a deeper connection between people, producers, and place. About Our Guest: Maryam Ahmed is the founder of Maryam + Company, a strategic consultancy focused on food, wine, community, and social impact. A writer, speaker, strategist, and experiential producer, Maryam works at the intersection of hospitality, culture, and purpose, helping organizations develop meaningful experiences and stronger connections with their communities. She is also a recognized voice in the wine industry on sustainability, inclusion, and place-based hospitality. Learn more at https://www.maryamandcompany.com