The Lebanese agrifood ecosystem witnessed a powerful display of community, innovation, and shared vision on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as the QOOT Lebanese Agrifood Innovation Cluster hosted its Annual General Assembly at Berytech – Mar Roukoz.
Bringing together cluster members and partners, the event served as an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate collective achievements, reflect on a transformative journey, and chart a course toward a more sustainable and innovative future for Lebanon’s agrifood sector.
The evening was further elevated by the presence of H.E. Frank Mollen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon, who joined as keynote speaker and distinguished guest, reaffirming the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to supporting Lebanon’s agrifood ecosystem.
A Community That Grows Together
The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Nabil Schumann, President of the QOOT Board of Directors, and Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan, Executive Director of QOOT Cluster, who both highlighted the Cluster’s continued commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and collective growth across Lebanon’s agrifood value chain.
Reflecting the spirit of the Cluster, the formal proceedings were followed by an interactive challenge that tested members’ knowledge of QOOT’s journey, milestones, and community. Filled with friendly competition and laughter, the activity reinforced what makes QOOT unique: a vibrant network built on engagement and shared success. The ultimate winner, Mr. Cyril Comair – Co Owner & Executive Director at Tiny Moon – Distilleries du Levant, received a specially curated QOOT Box featuring a selection of innovative products from QOOT members.
From Collaboration to Impact
A key highlight of the General Assembly was the presentation of QOOT’s achievements between 2022 and June 2026, demonstrating the tangible impact of collaboration across Lebanon’s agrifood ecosystem.
Today, the Cluster brings together 125 active members across the value chain, with more than 60% being women-owned or led enterprises. Over the past four years, QOOT facilitated 1,000+ B2B interactions, generated more than USD 3 million in incremental sales, delivered 500+ training hours, supported 18 industry-academia collaborations, and contributed to the creation or retention of 50+ jobs.
Over the past year, members continued to benefit from QOOT’s three strategic pillars: competitiveness, market access, and networking & collaboration.
Through trade fairs, business missions, and matchmaking activities in Lebanon and international markets, QOOT facilitated 184 SME participations, resulting in 1,038+ B2B meetings, 59 signed deals, and more than USD 3.23 million in incremental sales.
The Cluster also strengthened supply chain resilience, supported local sourcing initiatives, expanded international market opportunities, and advanced innovation through flagship programs such as the Agrifood Innovation Awards (AFIA) and the Executive Innovation Academy (EIA), alongside specialized capacity-building and international exposure initiatives supported by local and international partners.
Reaffirming its commitment to excellence, QOOT renewed its ESCA Silver Label certification through 2027 while continuing to expand its ecosystem through strategic partnerships and participation in leading industry events, including HORECA, ADIFE, and POWER X.
Looking ahead, QOOT will build on this momentum through green transition initiatives, participation in major international exhibitions such as SIAL 2026 and Agritek Syria, and new programs including Executive Innovation Academy Cohort 2 and a dedicated podcast series.
The presentation concluded with a financial overview by Mr. Paul Eid, Treasurer of the QOOT Board, who shared the Cluster’s 2025 performance and 2026 outlook, reaffirming QOOT’s commitment to sound governance and financial sustainability.
The Power of Belonging
One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was the Community Voices segment, where members shared personal reflections on the role QOOT has played in their growth journeys.
For Naji Nacouzi, Board Member and CEO of Brasserie Almaza, the true value of membership lies in contribution rather than gain:
“People often ask what a company like Almaza can gain from joining QOOT. I believe the more right question is: what can we give? The strength of a cluster lies in sharing knowledge, experiences, and support.”
Soha Frem, Founder of WATA Cider and QOOT Board Member, shared how a QOOT-supported participation in the UK Fine Food Fair 2023 opened the door to a key distribution partnership, enabling the company’s continued expansion in the UK market.
Long-standing member Nemer Mansour, Founder of Niman SAL, highlighted the value of belonging to an independent, member-driven community, noting the benefits his company gained through export opportunities and supply chain support initiatives.
For Nathalie Kazan, CEO and Owner of Delta Group, QOOT has been much more than a professional network:
“This structural ecosystem support helped Delta Group develop its new “Makadear” product range and proudly win AFIA 2025. Today, through initiatives such as the Executive Innovation Academy and the continued industry and business development opportunities, QOOT remains an essential partner in our path forward.”
Representing one of QOOT’s newest members, Mostapha Jammoul, CFO of Mediterranean Food Co., reflected on Soupreem’s journey, noting that while innovation matters, market access is key. He highlighted how QOOT accelerated the company’s growth by connecting it with partners such as Mackenzie Group, Spinneys, Toters, EBRD, Fattal Group, USEK, and more opportunities unlocking visibility and new opportunities.
Similarly, Chawki Daccache, Executive Manager of Gergy Daccache & Sons, explained why a globally established company chose to join QOOT:
“We joined QOOT to connect with new partners, share our experience, help and be helped, because even large companies need support.”
Delivering the plenary keynote, H.E. Frank Mollen praised the resilience, adaptability, and innovation demonstrated by Lebanese agrifood entrepreneurs despite the challenges faced in recent years. He stated that despite recent challenges, the resilience demonstrated by Lebanese agrifood entrepreneurs remains a powerful foundation for the sector’s future.
A Feast of Lebanese Agrifood Innovation
The General Assembly concluded with a lively networking reception that was a feast of innovation. Members proudly showcased the absolute best of their culinary crafts, filling the tables with exceptional taste, premium quality, and brilliant packaging.
The menu was a collaborative masterpiece featuring contributions from several QOOT members: Del Libano, Delta Group, Niman, Go Baladi, Agrifresh, Shuman, Olive Trade, Soler’s, Celine Homemade Delights, The Good Thymes, Moj, Dry and Raw, Almaza, Tiny Moon, Wata Cider, and The Three Brothers Gin creating a true celebration of Lebanese agrifood excellence.
Together We Grow
The QOOT 2026 General Assembly was a celebration of an ecosystem that refuses to yield to challenging times. With the distinguished endorsement of H.E. Frank Mollen, the inspiring testimonials of long-standing and new members, and a vibrant display of homegrown innovative products, QOOT continues to prove that when Lebanese producers, entrepreneurs, and partners unite, the potential for growth is limitless.
