CIMBALI
Sunday 24 November 2024
  • DVG De Vecchi
  • La Cimbali
Home Blog Page 23

Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City named “The World’s Best Bar”

0
Handshake Speakeasy
Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy is crowned No.1 at The World’s 50 Best Bars awards 2024, sponsored by Perrier, held at a live ceremony in Madrid (photo provided)

MADRID, Spain – The annual list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, has been unveiled as part of a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain on October 22, 2024. Now in its 16th edition, the awards once again united the global bar community in recognition of the bartenders, bar owners and brands at the forefront of the international cocktail scene.

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 features venues from an astonishing 28 cities, with Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy crowned The Best Bar in North America and The World’s Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier. This is the first time a bar from Mexico has claimed the No.1 spot in the list.

Tucked away in the Colonia Juárez neighbourhood of Mexico City, Handshake Speakeasy is one of the capital’s best-kept open secrets. Hidden behind a secret door in a dimly lit room stocked with an impressive array of vintage spirits, the bar’s interiors masterfully evoke the bygone age of the Hollywood speakeasy.

While the atmospheric black marble, rich brass detailing and moody lighting of the interior are akin to stepping back a century, the innovative cocktail menu is rooted firmly in the future. Bar Director Eric van Beek effortlessly melds tradition and innovation, elevating the classics through cutting-edge technique developed in the on-site lab, revolutionising familiar recipes with unexpected flavours and a complex palate. Homemade tinctures and infusions add signature Art Deco flare alongside the use of considered rare and aged spirits.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “It is with immense pride that we announce Handshake Speakeasy as The World’s Best Bar 2024, sponsored by Perrier. To be the first ever No.1 from Mexico is an outstanding achievement, of which Eric van Beek and his team are hugely deserving. The bar’s impressive rise through the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars over the years is a testament to their unique combination of flawless hospitality, innovative technique and truly excellent cocktails. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every bar on this year’s list, which once again highlights the incredible diversity of the global bar sector. We hope that this year’s list continues to operate as a beacon for cocktail lovers the world over.”

The Region of Madrid and Madrid City Council, say: “Huge congratulations to the teams whose bars have been named on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. It has been a great honour to host so many talented bar owners and bartenders from all around the world, here in Madrid. Madrid has established itself as a key gastronomic and drinks destination worldwide, thanks to the diverse talent of internationally renowned chefs and bartenders who have chosen the city as the location for their restaurants and bars. The recognition of hosting The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 reinforces Madrid’s appeal for those looking for high quality cocktail experiences.”

PlantX Life launches “Bloombox Club” e-commerce platform in Spain

0
PlantX
PlantX logo

VANCOUVER, BC, USA – PlantX Life Inc., a pioneer in building strong communities and operating innovative experiential online and in-store platforms that make it easier for individuals to lead happier, healthier lives, is excited to announce the launch of a new Bloombox Club e-commerce platform in Spain under https://bloomboxspain.es/.

The company believes that the new website, available in both English and Spanish, will expand Bloombox Club’s plant subscription service and curated online shop to yet another key market in Europe.

This launch marks Bloombox Club’s seventh e-commerce operation, now live in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Republic of Ireland, France, and Spain.

The Spanish Bloombox Club platform, accessible via https://bloomboxspain.es, integrates PlantX’s cutting-edge e-commerce infrastructure, delivering an enhanced online experience tailored to boost customer satisfaction.

All orders placed through the platform will be processed through Bloombox Club’s centralized distribution hub in the Netherlands, ensuring seamless and efficient fulfillment across Europe.

“After closely observing the Spanish market for years, we believe now is the perfect time to introduce Bloombox Club to Spain,” said Lorne Rapkin, CEO of PlantX Life Inc.

“We believe that e-commerce in Spain has been on a rapid growth trajectory, and we’ve identified a strong interest in the indoor plant sector. While there are a few competitors in this space, we feel their presence confirms that the demand for indoor plants is well-established.

After reviewing their product offerings, we are confident that Bloombox Club’s unique blend of curated plants and superior customer experience will allow us to thrive in this market.”

With the launch of the new Spanish e-commerce platform, PlantX and Bloombox Club continue to expand their mission of making plant-based living and wellness more accessible worldwide.

Coffee futures prices fall in the first session of the week on Brazil rains, Vietnam’s new harvesting season just a few weeks ahead

0
ICE coffee arabica robusta futures Intercontinental Exchangemarkets futures London prices exports CRSP amendments Vietnam NYSE Exchange Arabica Arabica robusta Sucden coffee market
The ICE logo

MILAN – Coffee futures prices suffered significant losses in the first session of the week, with Robustas falling to their lowest levels in two months and Arabicas reaching to a 12-day low. In London, the most traded contract for January delivery lost $112, ending the day at $4503. In New York, the December contract fell 560 points to 251.70 cents.

Pressure on coffee futures prices was exerted by the arrival of rains in Brazil, which are conducive to the flowering of the new Arabica crop (2025/26).

In London, speculators are scaling back their net long position ahead of the harvest in top Robusta producer Vietnam, which should gather pace next month.

According to weather reports from Brazil, the coffee belt has received good amounts of rain over the past week and forecasts anticipate new rainfall for the coming days in Minas Gerais.

Will this be enough to save next year’s harvest? Insiders have quite different opinions. In a LinkedIn post, the head of coffee for a major trader appears optimistic. It looks like we are going to have a good (very good?) crop,” said Octavio Pires, head of coffee in Brazil for Chinese trader COFCO, commenting flowering in the country.

The authoritative Brazilian agricultural analyst Safras & Mercado, on the other hand, urges caution, pointing out that the unfavourable climatic conditions of the last few months will in any case have an impact on the development of the harvest.

The Brazilian media report the testimony of a grower in Ilicínea (southern Minas Gerais) that the flowering in many plantations in the area is now compromised and that, in some cases, the flowers will not even open.

On the Robusta side, the harvest season in Vietnam is approaching and the prospect of the new crop coming onto the market has helped push futures prices lower.

However, the expectations for the 2024/25 coffee season remain pessimistic due the consequences of last spring’s drought.

According to some sources, climate change could drastically reduce available commercial farmland in the Vietnam over the coming decades.

The World Coffee Research predicts that the global Robusta market could face a deficit of up to 35 million bags by 2040.

Cimbali Group to unveil the M40 at FHA HoReCa 2024, showcasing the latest state-of-the-art coffee machines across its brands

0
La Cimbali M40 (image provided)

BINASCO, Italy – Cimbali Group, leading global manufacturer of professional coffee machines and equipment, announces its participation in FHA HoReCa 2024, taking place from October 22 to 25 at the Singapore Expo. This year’s event marks a significant milestone for the Group, as it presents the new LaCimbali M40 for the first time in Asia, alongside its latest range of state-of-the-art coffee machines across four brands LaCimbali, Faema, Casadio, and Slayer.

The new La Cimbali M40 (image provided)

Attendees are invited to explore the cutting-edge features of Cimbali Group’s newest equipment at Booth 2F3-01. The debut of the M40 is a key highlight, showcasing enhanced precision, thermal stability, and advanced user-friendly interfaces, perfect for creating high-quality coffee in demanding environments. Notably, the M40 is designed with a particular focus on energy efficiency, featuring an innovative thermal system that reduces energy consumption while maintaining high performance.

Alongside the M40, the Cimbali Group booth will showcase:

• LaCimbali: the M200 and the G50 grinder, providing a comprehensive solution for high-demand environments.

M200 (photo granted)

• Faema: the elegant Faema President and the E71E will be on display, paired with the Groundbreaker grinder. These machines bring a blend of Italian design and advanced technology, ideal for creating a personalised coffee experience in premium lounges and fine-dining venues.

• Casadio: the Nettuno espresso machine and Enea grinder (in two versions) are designed for mid-range hotels seeking reliable performance and ease of use, making them ideal for breakfast areas and small service settings.

Casadio Nettuno (image provided)

• Slayer: showcasing four models, the Slayer Steam EP 2 Group, Steam LP 2 Group, Espresso 1 Group, along with a preview of the new Steam Single. The Slayer machines are for the professional barista seeking unique coffee experiences and a balance between manual & volumetric coffee making.

Steam Single-Display Shot Counter (image provided)

Specialty zones: automatics, technology, and service

Cimbali Group’s booth will feature special zones dedicated to automatic coffee solutions and advanced technologies. The LaCimbali and Faema automatic machines will be highlighted in a dedicated area, showing how these machines can seamlessly integrate into various hotel and café environments, offering both quality and efficiency.

Attendees will also have the chance to experience exclusive demonstrations and connect with Cimbali Group experts, gaining insights into key technologies like IoT integrations through Art.in.Coffee and TeamViewer. These tools enable real-time monitoring of machine performance, ensuring consistency, operational efficiency, and energy savings—crucial for delivering premium service quality across diverse hospitality settings.

Engaging coffee presentations and expert talks

Throughout the event, Cimbali Group will host presentations and demonstrations by coffee experts and brand ambassadors, sharing insights into coffee preparation, sustainability, and the role of advanced technology in today’s market. Partners at the Faema and LaCimbali booth include:

• Coffex Coffee (Malaysia): on October 22, presenting Mono Origine, an ethically sourced coffee, and showcasing how LaCimbali’s thermal stability technology in the M40 enhances the coffee’s unique flavour profile.

• Blu Coffee (Philippines): highlighting the versatility of LaCimbali M200 Profile and how its pressure profiling enables baristas to unlock new flavour dimensions in single-origin coffees, such as their award-winning Mt. Apo coffee.

• Terence Tan, Singapore National Barista Champion 2017 and Founder of TAD Coffee (Singapore): discussing how innovations like the Turbosteam Cold Touch4 empower businesses to scale up while maintaining high-quality standards.

• Loke Xin Yi, Singapore National Barista Champion 2014: on the event’s final day, exploring how Cimbali Group’s machines ensure consistency for coffee businesses.

Partnerships with specialty roasters

In line with its commitment to promoting quality coffee, Cimbali Group has partnered with local and regional roasters. For Faema, the following local coffee roasters will take over the bar: Liberty Coffee (Singapore), Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee (Singapore), Forest Cloud Beverage Company (Faema Partner in Malaysia) and Six Four Coffee (Singapore). Coffee will also be served from the following roaster partners, utilising the fully automatic range and other machines (Faema/La Cimbali/Casadio): 64 Coffee Roasters, Coffex Coffee, and Lavazza. The Slayer Stand will feature interesting coffee from some of Singapore’s best Specialty Coffee Roasters alongside two international partners, Toby’s Estate and % Arabica. The Singaporean teams from % Arabica (Japan) & Toby’s Estate (Aus) will be presenting their brands alongside local roasters Fluid Collective, Flip & Narrative Coffee Stand.

These partnerships aim to highlight the best of Asian coffee, with tastings and demonstrations throughout the event. Visitors can experience single-origin brews and exclusive blends prepared using the latest LaCimbali and Faema machines, paired with Oatly as the alternative milk partner.

Millie Chan, Regional Director, Asia & Pacific for Cimbali Group, commented: “With guests increasingly seeking personalised and memorable experiences, coffee has become a defining part of the hospitality journey. The launch of the M40 at FHA HoReCa is a testament to our commitment to innovation, offering hoteliers and café owners the tools to create exceptional coffee moments. From automated solutions to handcrafted espresso, we’re excited to showcase our capabilities in Singapore.”

DVG De Vecchi to partecipate at FHA Horeca 2024 in Singapore, October 22-25

0
DVG De' Vecchi in Singapore with TechUP 3.0 (image provided)

CORNATE D’ADDA, Italy – DVG De Vecchi Srl, a leading name in the spare parts and accessories sector for coffee machines, is preparing to participate at FHA Horeca 2024, which will be held in Singapore from October 22nd to 25th. With over 60 years of experience, the company positions itself as a key player for industry professionals, offering innovative and high-quality solutions.

DVG De Vecchi to partecipate at FHA Horeca 2024

During the fair, DVG De Vecchi Srl will showcase its flagship products, including TechUP 3.0, an exclusive patented product of the company. This innovative tool allows for the control and monitoring of pressure and temperature parameters in coffee machines, ensuring optimal performance and greater operational efficiency.

Additionally, Cafelier will be presented, an important innovation for the cleaning of machine groups. This product aims to simplify and enhance the maintenance process, ensuring superior coffee quality and extending the lifespan of equipment.

dvg
DVG De Vecchi in Singapore (image provided)

The wide range of spare parts offered by the company includes both original and compatible products, thus responding to the different needs of a constantly evolving market.

DVG De Vecchi Srl stands out for the production and supply of high-quality components, solidifying its position as a strategic partner in the sector.

During the fair, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the DVG team, ready to provide information and technical support, ensuring high-quality service.

The FHA Horeca 2024 represents an important showcase for DVG De Vecchi Srl – an opportunity to consolidate its reputation and strengthen its presence in the international market. With its constant commitment to innovation and excellence, the company aims to be not just a supplier, but a true strategic partner in the coffee sector.

For more information, contact DVG De Vecchi Srl or visit the official website here.

REPA becomes global master distributor for Eureka’s Spare Parts operation ​ ​

0
repa
REPA logistic center (image provided)

CESENA, Italy – REPA, the leading European spare parts distributor for foodservice equipment, coffee, vending machines, and household appliances, part of Parts Town Unlimited since 2022, has signed a deal to become Global Master Distributor for Eureka – the Florentine producer of hand assembled, artisanal coffee grinders.

Thanks to this partnership, REPA will now offer 3,700 original spare parts, alongside 400 different maintenance kits, carefully selected to address specific servicing requirements. In addition to this, the leading distributor will take full control of Eureka orders and shipping.

Stocking and selling spare parts on behalf of Eureka, REPA makes life simple and easy for service technicians and engineers, roasters, coffee shops and importers globally, who can benefit from lightning quick delivery guaranteed by REPA, via its easy-to-use webshop, accessible 24/7. Allied to this, REPA “360” service leaves Eureka free to focus on the design and manufacture of some of the world’s most elegant and beautiful hand assembled coffee grinders.

Gilberto Guidi, Group Director Professional Coffee REPA comments: “We are proud to become Master Distributor for Eureka – a world renowned brand – whose customers will receive high quality service from REPA. Taking responsibility of Eureka’s orders and shipping, alongside stocking its range of spares, leaves customers and the brand itself safe in the knowledge that they are dealing with a supplier that puts choice, speed and service at the forefront of everything it does.”

REPA center (image provided)

Maurizio Fiorani, Eureka Managing Director comments: “Our day-to-day work has always been about giving the coffee lover the best possible opportunity to exercise his greatest passion. This not only translates into state-of-the- art equipment in terms of technology and usability, but also into the possibility of fast and efficient service, without any compromise on quality. The collaboration with REPA that we are here to celebrate is a further step in this direction, with the aim of guaranteeing all Eureka customers who honour us with their preference a faster and more efficient supply of spare parts at the same unrivalled quality”.

About REPA

REPA is the leading European spare parts distributor for foodservice equipment, coffee, vending machines and household appliances and is a trusted partner to equipment manufacturers. Since 2022 REPA is division of Parts Town Unlimited, the global leader in high-tech distribution of mission-critical equipment replacement parts, related products and services for the foodservice, residential appliance and HVAC industries.

REPA customers benefit from strong expertise in spare parts, with more than 40 years of experience in the market from REPA Italia, REPA Deutschland, REPA Iberia, REPA France, REPA China, ATEL and Big Warehouse. With the industry’s largest inventory accessible through state-of-the-art webshops, high stock availability, highly innovative logistic centers that assure the fastest delivery of spare parts in the industry, REPA provides every customer with the right part, at the right time, everywhere.

About Eureka

Eureka is a leading company in designing and manufacturing modern and elegant coffee grinders since 1920. Founded in Florence by Aurelio Conti, the company started its activity as manufacturer of grinders for Espresso and quickly became a symbol of excellence. Nowadays, thanks to its international and dynamic attitude, Eureka aims to become the most innovative company in the coffee grinder industry: the “State of the Art” in grinding technique for any type of coffee preparation.

Eureka mission is to provide an impeccable service, being always careful to the customer needs, through competitive products which combine design, technology and innovation. All this without renouncing to a 100% “Made in Florence” product, entirely hand-assembled in the Florentine factory: where industrial organization is melded to artisanal knowledge with wise mastery.

Probat accelerates full throttle to close 2024 trade show year

0
probat
Probat closes the trade fair year 2024 by travelling once around the globe in just two month (image provided)

EMMERICH, Germany – From Singapore to Shenzhen via Paris, Dubai, Chicago, London, and Sacramento: the company Probat closes the trade fair year 2024 by travelling once around the globe in just two months, presenting innovative processing technologies at seven major coffee and food industry events.

Through the increased use of synergies between the member companies of the PROBAT Group, the global market and technology leader in food processing equipment continues to develop advanced integrated solutions for cross-segment projects. Throughout 2024, the company has underlined its pioneering role by presenting its innovative strength at major industry events around the world.

From October to December, customers and other trade professionals can once again experience Probat’s concentrated expertise on several continents. The company’s team of experts and local representatives will provide valuable insights into the Group’s extensive product portfolio. This includes innovative solutions for the cocoa, chocolate, coffee, nuts, popcorn, and emerging new food sectors. Join us and find out how PROBAT’s cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of these industries. You can find us here:

FHA HoReCa in Singapore from October 22 to 25 at booth 2J3-05. FHA is the leading trade fair in Asia for the hotel, restaurant, and catering industry.

All4Pack Emballage in Paris from November 4 to 7 at booth 5 C132. All4Pack Emballage is considered one of the most important process and logistics trade fairs, this year with a particular focus on sustainability.

Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai from November 5 to 7 in Shk Saeed Hall 1 at booth S1-E24. Gulfood Manufacturing brings together the food and beverage communities from all over the world, introducing new ingredients, cutting-edge technology, and innovations across the processing, packaging, supply chain as well as control and automation sectors.

Pack Expo in Chicago from November 3 to 6 in the Confectionery Pavilion at booth S-2691. Pack Expo is the best way to stay current and competitive in the packaging and processing industry.

Plant Based World Expo in London from November 13 to 14 at booth G29. Plant Based World Expo is the biggest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, designed exclusively for food service professionals, retailers, distributors, buyers, and wholesalers.

The Almond Conference in Sacramento from December 10 to 12. The Almond Conference is an annual, three-day conference that brings together hundreds of companies dedicated to furthering the almond industry.

Hotelex Shenzhen from December 12 to 14 at booth 13B08. HOTELEX is an annual series of premier hospitality equipment, supply, and gourmet food trade events organized in four major Chinese cities and the country’s largest international event of its sort.

The conclusion of an eventful year in many respects, with presentations around the world in just two months, emphasizes PROBAT’s status as a pacesetter in the coffee and food industry and its commitment to driving progress and setting new standards.

In addition to participating in the above-mentioned international trade shows, PROBAT continues to promote dialogue with customers worldwide via the digital formats POP UP, HEAT and FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Europa 93 Coffee Industry at Triestespresso Expo with Kaphitech and its innovative encapsulating machine

0
coffee europa
Etiopia Sidamo (image provided)

LONGARE, Italy – With over 50 years of experience in artisanal roasting, Europa 93 Coffee Industry will present its complete commercial offering, covering the entire coffee supply chain: from roasting, carried out following the rules of slow drum roasting, to the creation of single-origin and specialty blends, designed to enhance the quality that only artisanal roasting can achieve, not forgetting the production of capsules compatible with the main brands on the market and their special closed system.

Caffè N1° (image provided)

The company will be accompanied at Triestepresso Expo 2024 by Kaphitech, which will present its innovative compact encapsulating machine.

A patented and automated system that, after grinding the beans, produces compostable capsules ready for use, offering the only non-industrial and ultra-compact solution capable of creating capsules on the spot, with the desired blend.

The Oronero pack (image provided)

A unique opportunity to get to know the most advanced solutions in the sector up close! Europa 93 and Kaphitech await you at Pavilion 27 – Stand 7.

Qahwa Limited to attend Triestespresso 2024

0
qahwa
Qahwa Limited at Triestespresso (image provided)

BIRKIRKARA, Malta – From 24 to 27 October, Qahwa Limited will take part in the 11th edition of the world’s most important coffee industry event. This is an important opportunity to get to know the company, its offerings and innovations in the industry up close, and to explore new possibilities for collaboration.

Qahwa Limited, a company with headquarters in Malta and warehouses in Slovenia, is active in the sourcing of high quality coffee throughout Europe and is known among traders for its commitment to the rigorous selection of the best origins.

Qahwa is continually exploring new producing countries, searching for the excellence of raw material and unique varieties, capable of satisfying the demands of an ever-changing taste. Each selected bean is the result of the encounter between tradition, made up of time-tested practices, and the different experiences or novelties gathered around the world.

Qahwa is a global vision. A vision that is not limited to short-term logic, but extends its commitment to the future: Qahwa has chosen to operate through a traceable and sustainable supply chain, capable of guaranteeing high quality coffee over time and, at the same time, the protection of the territories where it is produced.

qahwa
Qahwa Limited logo

Qahwa: transparency and sustainability

Over the years, Qahwa Limited has built a direct and collaborative relationship with local producers: it regularly visits plantations to identify those cultivations that concretely apply the values of environmental and social sustainability. For this reason, at every stage of the process, from selection to delivery of the coffee, it verifies that quality standards are high and meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding and attentive market.

With efficient and optimized logistics management, Qahwa Limited offers secure and timely supplies, maintaining product freshness and integrity until delivery.

Visitors to Triestespresso Expo 2024 will be able to get to know the world of Qahwa in Hall 28 – Stand 02 and discover its solutions to support the business of roasters and distributors of all dimensions.

Mondi to acquire Western Europe packaging assets of Schumacher Packaging

0
Mondi
Mondi logo

ADDLESTONE, UK – Mondi plc (“Mondi” or the “Group”), a global leader in the production of sustainable packaging and paper, has entered into an agreement to acquire the German, Benelux and UK corrugated converting and solid board operations of Schumacher Packaging1(“the Acquisition”). This Acquisition will expand Mondi’s corrugated footprint in Western Europe and add complementary fibre-based products, focused on eCommerce and FMCG, to enhance its existing customer offering.

The announcement is in line with Mondi’s strategy to expand its Corrugated Packaging business in Europe and adjacent markets; to invest in cost advantaged assets; to further integrate upstream and downstream operations to ensure security of supply for customers and optimised operations, and to continue to partner with customers to deliver innovative solutions.

The Acquisition comprises seven corrugated converting plants, two solid board mills and four solid board converting plants.

These operations complement Mondi’s existing network of corrugated plants across Central and Eastern Europe, adding over 1 billion square meters of capacity when fully operational.

Among the acquired sites are two state-of-the-art mega-box plants in Germany, located at Ebersdorf and Greven, which have best-in-class production speed and operational efficiency as well as a highly skilled workforce with a culture aligned with Mondi’s.

Expanding Mondi’s eCommerce offering—particularly in Germany, the largest packaging market in Europe—presents significant opportunities to introduce the Group’s unique range of products to a wider array of customers as they increasingly transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions.

In 2023, Schumacher Packaging’s Western European Packaging Assets delivered an adjusted EBITDA of €66 million. The EBITDA contribution is expected to increase as the recently added capacity at Greven, following a significant investment programme, ramps up, and the identified €22 million of cost synergies are realised over the three years following completion. This excludes expected one-off cash costs to achieve of approximately €18 million.

Commenting on the Acquisition, Andrew King, Mondi Group CEO, said: “Our focus is on investing to meet the growing market demand for sustainable packaging while driving value for our stakeholders. This acquisition significantly increases our corrugated converting capacity, extends our reach across Western Europe, and offers strong downstream integration opportunities, while broadening our customer offering with a complementary fibre-based product range.

“We are delighted to be acquiring these assets and look forward to welcoming our new Schumacher Packaging colleagues and customers to Mondi. On completion, Mondi will have an enhanced customer proposition and a strong platform for further growth.”

The transaction, which is subject to certain customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Mr Bjoern Schumacher and Mr Hendrik Schumacher, co-CEOs of Schumacher Packaging who have been instrumental in the development of the business over many years, will be retained, respectively, as a strategic adviser and as Chief Operating Officer Solid Board.