Mezzan Holding KSC, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of food and beverage products in the Gulf, announced recently it has signed a licensing, manufacturing and distribution agreement with Nathan’s Famous, Inc., an American company specializing in hot dogs serving New York favorites for more than 100 years.
Under the agreement, Mezzan Holding’s subsidiary, Khazan Meat Factory, will produce a five-piece pack and an eight-piece pack of hot dogs for both retail and foodservice vendors in the Gulf region. Khazan is recognized as a leading brand in the Gulf region renowned for meat production division that features locally manufactured, fresh, and premium Halal ingredients. Mezzan’s far-reaching distribution abilities via its subsidiaries and long-standing relationships with private and cooperative supermarkets and food services including multinational fast food chains, this agreement sets Nathan’s Famous on a fast track for growth in the Gulf.
Food Business magazine’s Managing Editor, M. Matt, welcomes an interview with Lindsay Wakefield, Commercial Director of Mezzan Holding and James Walker, SVP, Restaurants of Nathan’s Famous, Inc where they share the benefits of the partnership in and around the Gulf region.
Interview with Lindsay Wakefield Commercial Director at Mezzan Holding
What is Mezzan’s role in the agreement?
Under the agreement, Mezzan Holding’s subsidiary, Khazan Meat Factory, will produce a fivepiece pack and eight- piece pack of hot dogs for both retail and foodservice vendors in the Gulf region and distribute the same via Mezzan’s subsidiaries in the region.
Why did you choose to work with Nathan’s Famous and not another American hot dog brand?
Nathan’s famous has over a 100-years of experience and history in making and selling their famous Hot Dog’s across the USA. With consumers in the region always looking for something exciting, relevant and new, a brand like Nathan’s Famous will allow our customers to experience the ‘Flavor of New York’ in all of the key markets across the region.
Interview with James Walker SVP, Nathan’s Famous
What makes Nathan’s Famous ‘famous’? Could you share with me more information about your company and what makes you unique?
Nathan’s Famous is unique in many ways. While we have been a successful restaurant company for over 100-years, we are still known around the world for our innovation, and leading product quality. Really it’s our unique focus and commitment to producing the highest quality food, including our new Halal All-Beef Hot Dog, that makes us FAMOUS.
Why did you choose to work with Mezzan Holding?
Mezzan shares Nathan’s commitment to quality, and the team at Mezzan is very passionate about the partnership with Nathan’s.
Do you have any further expansion plans for the GCC region or world?
Absolutely. The quality and taste of this Halal Hot Dog allows us to expand to many regions where there is a demand for Halal products, including markets outside of the GCC. Mezzan Holding is a 75-year old company that was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in the second quarter of 2015. The company is headquartered in Kuwait with direct operational activities in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and Afghanistan.Nathan’s is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and 11 foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Last year, over 700 million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold. Nathan’s was ranked #22 on the Forbes 2014 list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013.
