At SIAL Paris 2024, the world’s largest food innovation exhibition, Lebanon is making a powerful statement of resilience and creativity. SIAL Paris is a dynamic platform where global food industry leaders converge to unveil new trends, products, and technologies, fostering innovation through emerging market insights and cutting-edge solutions. QOOT Cluster, in collaboration with the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industrialists and the Lebanese Embassy in Paris, is at the forefront, organizing the Lebanese pavilion under the theme “Lebanon, the Small Country of Great Delights.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, 32 Lebanese institutions showcased their healthy products and unique cuisine, reinforcing Lebanon’s culinary richness and determination to maintain a strong international presence while creating valuable trade opportunities.
QOOT Cluster at the Forefront of Innovation
QOOT Cluster played a pivotal role in ensuring Lebanon’s presence at SIAL, showcasing 16 of the country’s most innovative Agri-Food companies. These businesses, driven by the cluster’s mission to foster growth and promote Lebanese Agri-Food excellence, brought forward the rich flavors and hidden treasures of Lebanon’s cuisine to a global audience.
The success of this showcase was made possible by the hard work and dedication of QOOT’s core team at SIAL, including Nadine El Khoury, President of QOOT Cluster; Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan, Executive Director; and Fawzi Khalil, QOOT Cluster Engagement and Internationalization Lead. Their commitment and hard work ensured that Lebanon’s pavilion at SIAL effectively showcased the resilience and excellence of Lebanese Agri-Food, setting the stage for meaningful global connections and opportunities.
“QOOT’s participation at SIAL this year is more than just an exhibition; it’s about showing the world the strength and potential of Lebanese Agri-Food companies, despite the difficult times Lebanon is facing,”
Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan.
The Lebanese pavilion at SIAL Paris 2024
QOOTers sharing their products with a global audience
An Impressive Lebanese Delegation
The Lebanese pavilion was further supported by the presence of key officials, including Lebanese Minister of Industry Georges Bouchikian and Lebanese Chargé d’Affaires Ziad Taan at the Lebanese Embassy in Paris. These dignitaries underscored the importance of Lebanon’s participation in such an international event, reinforcing the role of the private sector in maintaining the country’s global presence despite domestic challenges.
“The organization of the Lebanese pavilion is commendable, especially in these hard times. It showcases our commitment to international collaboration,”
Minister Georges Bouchikian.
This sentiment was echoed by Chargé d’Affaires Ziad Taan, who emphasized the significance of participation in such exhibitions.
“Participating in SIAL is crucial for Lebanese companies; it sends a strong message that we are resilient and ready to engage with the global market.”
Chargé d’Affaires Ziad Taan
Highlighting Grapeful’s Victory and Lebanon’s Agri-Food Excellence
One of the highlights of Lebanon’s participation was Grapeful, a member of the QOOT Cluster, receiving the prestigious SIAL Innovation Award and the Public Choice Award. The SIAL Innovation Award is a celebrated recognition at SIAL events, honoring innovative products and solutions in the food and beverage industry, thereby enhancing the visibility and credibility of winning companies on the global stage. Complementing this, the Public Choice Award, determined by visitor votes, reflects consumer preferences and highlights products that resonate most with the audience, further validating Grapeful’s impact. This year, as in previous editions, the awards ceremony showcased exceptional talent and creativity, with Grapeful, led by Bahaa Kadamani, standing out from over 2,200 products for its innovative approach to creating healthy, plant-based snacks.
In addition to Grapeful’s standout success, 15 other pioneering Lebanese Agri-Food companies made a remarkable impact at SIAL, including:
- IRMA & Co.
- Cedar’s Premium
- Said Saifan
- Green & Pure
- Brasserie Almaza
- Lebanese Appetizers Company
- Agreen Organics
- Second House
- Cortas Canning and Refrigerating Co.
These companies showcased the depth and diversity of Lebanon’s Agri-Food sector, each highlighting distinct products and seizing opportunities for expansion on the global stage.
Bahaa Kadamani receiving the Innovation Award at SIAL Paris 2024
QOOTers in action, connecting with audiences
A Testament to Resilience and Collaboration
QOOT Cluster’s involvement at SIAL Paris 2024 extended beyond the exhibition, hosting a special Thank You dinner on October 20, 2024, where government representatives, embassy officials, and QOOT Cluster members came together to foster collaboration and synergies within the Lebanese Agri-Food community. This gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, share insights, and served as both a thank you and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collective effort. During the dinner, QOOT Cluster presented Rachel Alameddine, Economic Attaché at the Embassy of Lebanon in France, with a trophy in appreciation of her continuous efforts and support for the cluster.
In a time of adversity, Lebanon’s presence at SIAL, led by QOOT Cluster, stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation, showcasing the determination and creativity of its companies and the unwavering support of organizations like QOOT Cluster.
