From April 20 to 23, 2015, thirty-one Lebanese cooperatives and producers supported by the USAID-funded Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) project participated in the 2015 HORECA fair in BIEL. These cooperatives and small- and medium-sized food, honey, and olive oil producers presented their products during daily tasting sessions at the LIVCD’s 81 square meters booth. This initiative is part of LIVCD’s objective to support rural communities and help small businesses generate more revenue. The show was an opportunity to present the cooperatives and their main products to more than 10,000 visitors while establishing market linkages with distributors, traders, processors, retailers and other actors of the value chain.
“Lebanese agricultural products, including processed foods have strong potential to be competitive in regional and international markets. LIVCD is offering technical assistance to disseminate innovative agricultural and agro processing practices and technologies along with building capacities through customized trainings and leveraged investments,” said Nasser Lama, Agribusiness Director at LIVCD. “It aims to improve the competitiveness and value of products and services in both local and export markets by increasing the quality, quantity, and consistency of Lebanese products.”
Chef Joe Barza was also present at LIVCD’s stand to host live cooking sessions using authentic local products from the exhibitors. Chef Barza volunteered his time to cook delicious and healthy meals that attracted a number of people. Additionally, a jury of national and international chefs selected their favorite recipes and certificates were distributed to the winners.
Information about the USAID-funded Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) Project:
With funding from the presidential initiative “Feed the Future,” the Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) project is a five-year, $41.7 million USAID project to improve Lebanon’s economic stability and generate income for small business while creating jobs for the rural population, in particular women and youth. The project creates ties between farmers, producers, suppliers, processors, service providers, traders, transporters, retailers, packers, distributors, exporters, and consumers.
