Mark Saunokonoko has just launched a new drink called Piper. He hopes the beverage, which he calls a "relaxation" drink, will become an alternative to alcohol in the UAE. He explains why he thinks helping people to chill will be profitable.
What exactly is a relaxation drink?
It's a very nascent category of beverage that is not a drink for refreshment like water or a soft drink. There are very few beverages in this space. It's really quite hard to say what makes a relaxation drink.
One that makes you relax?
Yes, Piper is a drink that has been designed to relax and free the mind. It is essentially a natural high. But unlike other drinks that calm the mind and make the body tired, Piper keeps the body's muscles alert. It helps put your worries and anxieties aside.
Is this scientifically proven?
Yes and no. There's a whole body of scientific evidence that will say that the herbs we use have these properties. But it is not proven.
So what is in the drink?
We researched back in history and found that lemon balm was used a lot as an additive in 1000 to 1400. It has a mental effect and plays on the subconscious. The drink also has passion flower in it, which elongates and intensifies the lemon balm. A complex carbohydrate has been added to keep the muscles from feeling the effects. All the ingredients come from New Zealand, where the drink is produced.
How does it taste though?
It's made of natural products, with no chemicals or preservatives. I'd say the dominant taste is probably blackcurrant, but in a bittersweet way. It has the contours of wine, is full bodied and lightly carbonated.
Who is your target market?
We are looking at people who want an alternative to alcohol. More people are trying to drink less as their lives become more active and work demands more from them in the week. People don't want to be hung over at weekends either because they want to make the most of the day. But there is a social ritual with drinking alcohol so we want to try to keep people involved with that. It is hard to still feel involved drinking sparkling water.
So there are no side effects to the natural high?
No there is no hangover or drowsiness or side effects.
Where are you selling the product?
We're signing deals with shisha cafes, alcohol establishments, unlicensed cafes, cinemas and music events. We are looking for longevity, it's about educating people about the product.
[ rjones@thenational.ae ]
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')
Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')
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JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO
Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday
Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
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THE SPECS – Honda CR-V Touring AWD
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Power: 184hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 244Nm at 3,900rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
0-100kmh in 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 202kmh
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
Price: From Dh122,900
DUBAI BLING: EPISODE 1
Creator: Netflix
Stars: Kris Fade, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Zeina Khoury
Rating: 2/5
The biog
Age: 32
Qualifications: Diploma in engineering from TSI Technical Institute, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dubai’s Al Ghurair University, master’s degree in human resources from Abu Dhabi University, currently third years PHD in strategy of human resources.
Favourite mountain range: The Himalayas
Favourite experience: Two months trekking in Alaska
If you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals. A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com. Good guidebooks include the Lonely Planet guides to Northern California and Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Supy
Started: 2021
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Based: Dubai
Industry: Food and beverage, tech, hospitality software, Saas
Funding size: Bootstrapped for six months; pre-seed round of $1.5 million; seed round of $8 million
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- The $63.2 billion Diriyah project will contribute $7.2 billion to the kingdom’s GDP
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- About 2,000 people work for the Diriyah Company, with more than 86 per cent being Saudi citizens
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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Company profile
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Co-founders: Karl Naim, Wissam Ghorra, Jean-Marie Khoueir
Based: Hub71 in Abu Dhabi and Beirut
Started: 2021
Number of employees: 12
Sector: FinTech
Funding: $2 million