Maritime & Mercantile International (mmi) specialises in the marketing, sales and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
mmi is a major player in the region with 11 shops across Dubai and joint venture operations in both Abu Dhabi and Oman.
It stocks more than 1200 wines, the largest portfolio in the Gulf, while it also has the most comprehensive selection of premium spirits in the region, with over 400 leading brands.
mmi is the biggest supplier of liquor to embassies, consulates, missions and licensed establishments based in the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
It became a subsidiary of the Emirates Group in 2000, but its roots stretch back to 1891 when Iraqi firm Gray Mackenzie & Co was appointed as the licensed shipping agent in Dubai. The company took its first lease of an office building in Dubai in 1916 and operated until 1983 when it started trading as mmi.
mmi can process liquor licence applications - required to purchase alcohol in the UAE - and rewards its customers with a range of benefits, such as in-store promotions and deals at partner businesses, including Costa Coffee and Apres at Mall of the Emirates.
As well as membership to the mmi Wine Society, customers can purchase tickets at a discounted rate for some of the many major events mmi supports, such as the Dubai Rugby Sevens and music concerts.
In recent years, mmi have begun to expand its expertise internationally including joint ventures in Zanzibar, Maldives and the Indian Ocean region.
The firm also uses its 120 years of experience in the region to offer support services to both small and large businesses starting up in the Middle East.