Alshaya International Trading Co, a major operator of international retail brand in Saudi Arabia and Starbucks Coffee are once again witnessing a lot of creativity and adventure as Starbucks partners (baristas) take center stage for earning the status of “coffee ambassador” as well as the “coffee ambassador cup” in Saudi Arabia. Gary Torreon has earned the title for 2005-06 at the challenge held in Jeddah and will soon be contesting at the regional level. Haitham H. Alshaya, GM, Alshaya International Trading Co., the licensed operator of Starbucks Coffee stores across the Kingdom said: “At Starbucks our success is founded on the imagination and initiative of our partners. The Coffee Master Program is a great demonstration of the coffee passion and expertise that all of our partners hold.” The coffee ambassador cup is a grand finale of the demonstration of passion, skills and abilities that Starbucks partners across the entire Middle East have with toward the core product — coffee. For these budding contestants who are already baristas at Starbucks, it is not only about that cup of coffee. It is all about connecting with customers, responding correctly to their needs, about absolute coffee knowledge and coffee-related activities — such as creation of a custom blend using Starbucks coffee beans and food pairings with coffees from different regions.
SONY
Modern Electronics, a branch of the al Faisaliah Group Holding Co. Ltd., announced in Jeddah recently the launch of a new range of seven flat panel LCD televisions, which leverages Sony’s technological expertise to deliver outstanding picture quality. The “most comprehensive” LCD TV line-up ever to be launched in the region, these new generation LCD televisions are introduced under a new Sony TV brand “Bravia.” “Standing for best resolution audiovisual integrated architecture,” Bravia represents Sony’s vision of providing products with superior resolution for the digital and flat panel era, which will touch all customers,” Prince Abdullah Al Faisal, chairman of Al Faisaliah Group, said. “Sony has laid a strong foundation in display technologies since the launch of Trinitron and we’re now leveraging our strengths on the latest range of LCD televisions, which utilize Sony’s panels incorporating the latest generation LCD technology,” he said.
ALHAMRANI FUCHS
Alhamrani Fuchs Petroleum Saudi Arabia Ltd. presented a check for SR 10,000 to Saudi football player Ahmed Krenshy, winner of the best talented player in the Succastars program that was broadcasted on Future TV recently. The program, cosponsored by Alhamrani Fuchs aimed to explore young talented Arab football players all over the Middle East. Fuchs Petroleum Vice President Mezahim Basrawy received the winning player in his office and handed him the check. “This is meant to encourage him to continue to improve his skills, perform well and achieve many milestones,” he said, adding that the support of Fuchs to the sports activities in the Kingdom is one of its main objectives to serve the community. “This is particularly so, as Fuchs is not only known for its quality products but also for its generous support to sports and other social activities across the Kingdom,” he added.
RIYASH
Omar Ahmed Ba’armah has opened his establishment’s newest comprehensive “Riyash” boutique for women at Coral Mall in Jeddah. The boutique will include the trendiest brands — Calvin Klein, Missoni, Trussardi, Fornarina, Vintage55, and Moschino. “This is the first step for a series of stores for women and men that retail some of the most renowned international brands of apparel, accessories, and footwear, therefore simplifying the shopping experience for consumers by providing all their needs under one roof,” Ba’armah said. Another Riyash outlet for men is to open at the same location will hold a variety of brands such as the Calvin Klein collection, Brioni, and Sixty. Ba’armah started his establishment early in 2002 by acquiring the Trussardi agency for leather and accessories for men and women at Jeddah Mall, and then added the Phard brand, which is an Italian company for girls wear. Currently, the Riyash stores for men and women are opening innovative branches to meet customer needs in a “unique way,” where each brand has its own allocated space and where the client can browse each brand in comfort.
NESTLE MIDDLE EAST
Nestle, a major leading food and beverage company worldwide, has unveiled a redesigned website featuring a refreshing new home-page, informative content, a huge collection of easy-to-prepare dessert recipes, and an appealing interface — all designed on an elegant platform to provide its online visitors an enjoyable surfing experience. The new design gives the website’s large number of visitors across the Arab world an opportunity to find what they need quickly and easily through a more streamlined layout, the spokesman for Nestle said. At the same time, the fresh new look will help visitors to gain comprehensive information about the Sweetened Condensed Milk (SCM) brand and effectively communicate its brand values. “Website visitors will be greeted by more than just cosmetic changes,” explained Wafa Bassili, SCM product manager, Nestle Middle East.
LEO BURNETT
Leo Burnett claims itself to be the first agency in the region to rename its employees “communication” and not “account” professionals. Some 200 Leo Burnett Group of Companies’ employees across the MENA region are receiving new job titles in a move that mirrors a major shift that has taken place at the agency, which now offers not just advertising but total integrated communication consulting. Titles that used to be “account” executive or “account” director, for example, will now be “communication” executive and “communication” director. The move affects all four companies within the Leo Burnett Group: brand agencies Leo Burnett and Black Pencil, interactive and CRM agency Arc MENA and Manning Selvage & Lee public relations. “These revised designations reflect the successful implementation of our cross-media integrated planning culture at every office, across every level of the organization and reflects the added value we provide to our clients’ businesses,” said Raja Trad, CEO, Leo Burnett Group of Companies, MENA.
KRAFT CREAM CHEESE
Kraft Cream Cheese is running a new promotion, rewarding their loyal customers with an opportunity to win a limited edition custom built gold heart pendant from Damas, in line with their brand philosophy of, “Behind every growing child is a heart of gold.” Kraft Cream Cheese aims to show appreciation to the mothers of the GCC for their ongoing support and product purchase. “Thanks to an extensive customer base and the loyalty of these consumers over the years, Kraft has become a highly respected name in the region and continues to be the brand most closely associated with cheese,” the company spokesman said, adding that retail sales figures in the GCC confirm that “Kraft Cream Cheese Spread is the number one consumer choice in the spreadable jar segment.” Due to its unique taste and high standards, Kraft Cream Cheese is recognized by mothers as providing beneficial nutrients to the diet of their growing children.
TABBAH
Tabbah, an internationally renowned family-owned jeweler, has recently opened the doors of its Dubai boutique to match the growing demand for exclusive high fashion that is burgeoning in the region. The flagship store is a natural progression and obvious addition in view of their well-established international presence. Headquartered in Lebanon since 1862, with two stores and a manufacturing outlet, Tabbah also has representation in Kuwait and Beverly Hills in the United States. The company’s intricate history is every bit as opulent and rich as their designs. The new boutique is situated in Dubai’s bustling Burjuman Center where it aims to address the needs and desires of their up market clientele. Using only the finest materials and producing tiny quantities of their sought after designs, Tabbah promises exclusivity and originality to their affluent customers. Oriental refinement is graciously blended with European tastes to create mysterious yet wearable pieces, appealing to an array of preferences.
NCB
The National Commercial Bank (NCB) celebrated Eid Al Fitr by exchanging greetings with its employees. NCB Chairman & MD Abdullah Salem Bahamdan and senior bank officials welcomed the staff at a reception held at the main administration building in Jeddah. “Hosting such an event reflects the bank’s attentiveness to keep its channels of communication open with its employees and take advantage of every opportunity to interact with them,” Bahamdan said. Human resource is the most valuable asset of any commercial institution. Investing in them and constantly qualifying them on both levels of skill and knowledge is one of the main principles of the bank’s strategy, he added. The reception was an annual tradition at the bank. The bank aims to have direct contact between the administration and its employees reflecting the work philosophy of teamwork whose application has made it one of the best working environments in the private sector in the Kingdom. NCB Head of Human Resources Saud Sabban affirmed the importance of discipline, ingenuity, problem solving and team work.
