Food & Drink Awards 2018

Page 54 www.lux-review.com LUX 2018 Food & Drink Awards A company with extensive industry and local market experience, Peninsula Drinks and Food are the Craft and Boutique Specialists. Timothy Broughton provides us with a fascinating insight into the company and the range of products it has to offer. Peninsula Drinks and Food L.L.C. Best International Wine & Spirits Merchant - Abu Dhabi As craft and boutique specialists, Peninsula bring the best of global flavours and innovation to the market. The firm’s dedicated team are passionate about the beverage industry and about sharing artisanal brands and new-to-market products that clients will not find anywhere else in the city. In addition, the company also carries the mainstream brands to ensure its customers’ needs are fulfilled, as this has been central to its success, as Timothy explores in his initial comments. “Here at Peninsula, we believe that we have a keen eye on beverage trends and specialist insider knowledge of the liquor business, with our senior leadership team having worked in and around the hospitality industry for over 30 years. The consumer in our market has become accustomed to the perspective of going to whichever liquor retail shop is most convenient and buying mainstream brands or what is on offer. Peninsula has taken retailing to a new dimension, paying specific attention to creating unique retail destinations which are welcoming environments and perfect places to browse, complemented by intuitive service provided by our friendly and knowledgeable customer service professionals. “For on-trade clients we offer something to those accounts that want to distinguish themselves and attract the more discerning customer. An integral aspect of this is the relative professional to offer specific information and training associated with such products to support upselling. This is accompanied by measured KPI’s for logistics in delivery accuracy and timing, vintage management and consistent supply.” Operating in the highly competitive food and drink space, Peninsula offers its clients an innovative, collaborative service which relies on exemplary staff, as Timothy is eager to emphasise. “In very challenging current market conditions, for both retail and on-trade, where large brands are fierce in their efforts to maintain volumes, we are challenged with educating consumers, decision makers and professionals to step out of their comfort zones; constantly addressing the fact that similar, if not better, quality products of the same classification can be offered, for less. Additionally, in a market traditionally operating on the basis that selling was not required because access was considered enough, the concept of informed advice and selling has obviously been widely valued. “To provide a high-quality, supportive service that educates and informs clients, we rely on a dedicated team of experts. Our team comprises of over two thirds professionals who have worked in the industry before joining Peninsula; many of whom were hand-picked. Of the original team our staff turn-over has been well below local and international levels. This being the case, our team have been nurtured with the objectives of Peninsula since its establishment, and consequently have seen first-hand the success of the model and witnessed that promises are delivered.” This team is constantly growing and enhancing, and as such the firm’s internal culture is adapting to ensure continuing success, as Timothy highlights. “As the team increases in numbers we see that our senior staff are proud to take on the mantle of mentors to make sure of the perseverance of principals. Having a relatively small team whereby the Executive Management are in regular contact with the staff obviously supports the aforementioned. In addition, the Executive Team lead by example, getting physically involved in the operations and working closely with the team, this not only demonstrates core values within but also allows the Executive Team to be fully in touch with operations, the staff on the ground and the areas that need attention and direction.” With regards to the future, Timothy has big plans for Peninsula, which he proudly outlines in his concluding statement. “Overall, the future for Peninsula revolves around expanding our current business retail model, along with setting up our company owned bars and restaurants. To achieve this ambitious aim, Peninsula has acquired significant acknowledgment for its retail operation and has become a preferred company within the category for a number of large developers’ plans. Hence the prospect of opening new shops is a realistic position in the very near future, and one which we are all looking forward to realising.” Company: Peninsula Drinks and Food L.L.C. Contact: Timothy Broughton Address: PO BOX 105791, Office 204, Building C-9, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, UAE Phone: 00971 2 447 8319 Website: www.pdf.ae/