Chef JKP sits down with Ben Kouider, Founder of Champavin.
Ben shares how he went from engineering and oil and gas to building a business around champagne in the UAE.
They talk about Normandy, family food memories, global travel, leaving corporate life, grower champagne, and the biggest mistakes people make when drinking champagne.
This is a story about food, reinvention, and understanding champagne beyond the label.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE • Growing up in Normandy and the food traditions that shaped Ben's childhood • Studying engineering, sales and international commerce • Building a global career in the oil and gas industry • Working across cultures, countries and complex international projects • How travel and food deepened his appreciation for wine and hospitality • Discovering the world of champagne and the growers behind it • Leaving oil and gas to build Champavin in the UAE • The biggest misconceptions people have about champagne today
CHAPTERS 03:31 Childhood food memories and his mother’s gratin 14:15 Science, hip hop and learning how to express himself 28:35 The pressure, politics and problem-solving of oil and gas 42:55 Building Champavin and bringing grower champagne to the UAE 56:44 The biggest champagne mistake people make 01:06:13 Champagne education, memberships and building a culture 01:18:06 How to choose champagne based on grape, style and taste 01:36:38 Quick fire round 01:41:49 Advice for people starting their champagne journey
FOLLOW THE GUEST Ben Kouider Instagram https://www.instagram.com/benchampagnes/
FOLLOW CHEF JKP Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY VALRHONA Valrhona partners with chefs and artisans to elevate chocolate through craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to a more sustainable cocoa industry.
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