Episode 81

081 | Alice Bidini | Negronis Are Not For Everyone | Four Seasons Riyadh

In this episode of the Maffeo Drinks Podcast, I am joined by Alice Bidini, an experienced bartender and bar manager from the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh.


Alice shares her journey from Rome to London, Kuala Lumpur, and now Ryadh.


We dive into the unique beverage preferences in different countries and the challenges of introducing new drink concepts, especially in a non-alcoholic market like Saudi Arabia.


We discuss how cultural and religious influences shape drinking habits in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia and how London's diverse landscape impacts its vibrant bar scene.


Our conversation also explores the global adaptation of Italian cuisine and drinks, from 'Nduja pizza to Negroni cocktails, and the efforts to balance authenticity and local tastes.


Tune in to learn about the cultural nuances shaping global palates and the innovative ways bartenders are rising to these challenges.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Guest Introduction: Alice's Journey

03:13 Cultural Insights and Market Differences

07:56 Exploring Taste Profiles Across Regions

11:29 The Melting Pot of London

13:20 Understanding Dry and Wet Cultures

14:04 Regional Drinking Preferences

15:09 Peroni's Popularity in the UK

17:53 Challenges of Non-Alcoholic Bartending in Saudi Arabia

21:42 Adapting to Local Tastes

28:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


About The Host: Chris Maffeo

About The Guest: Alice Bidini

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The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast
Brands Are Built Bottom-up.

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About your host

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Chris Maffeo

With 20 years of experience working for some of the biggest drinks brands across 30+ markets, I've developed a unique understanding of how brands grow in today's market.
Now, I help drinks brands build sustainable growth through bottom-up demand creation.
My methodology focuses on how brand demand spreads - from initial venue adoption to international expansion.
I teach brands how to create, convert, and sustain demand across the three critical stages of growth: from one bottle to one case to one pallet.
My expertise lies in understanding how brands grow through genuine advocacy, from bar to bar, city to city, and building foundations that enable natural scaling.
Through consulting, training, and speaking engagements, I help brands:
• Build sustainable demand from the ground up
• Systematize their approach to building brands city by city
• Navigate the path from local success to international growth
• Develop strategies based on occasions rather than demographics