building euromed partnerships - anima investment network
TRANSCRIPT
© EuroMed@Change 2013 3
Building EuroMed partnerships
This guide is designed as a Doing business toolkit for
clusters, SMEs, or entrepreneurs interested in
developing business partnerships in the agri-food
sector in Lebanon. It provides an overview of the
main opportunities available in the private sector, as
well as concrete and useful data to those interested
to go further (contacts, agenda of events, etc.).
References
The Mediterranean Business Guide, focus on Agri-
food in Lebanon has been prepared by ANIMA
Investment Network under the EuroMed@Change
Project, a Preparatory Action initiated by the
European Parliament and implemented by the
European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry).
EuroMed@Change proposes new dynamics for SME
and cluster internationalisation between Europe and 4
targeted partner countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt
and Lebanon. It is managed by four organisations
from across Europe (ANIMA Investment network as
Project leader, the European Business Innovation
Centre Network, INNO AG and the Fondation Sophia
Antipolis as partners) and it coordinates with more
than 45 associated regional business, finance and
innovation networks.
Authors
This Business Guide has been prepared and drafted by Manal Tabet, with contributions from Zoé Luçon
(FDI section), Amina Ziane Cherif (maps), Jeanne Lapujade (proofreading), Lauriane Ammouche (Layout), ANIMA.
The author would like to warmly thank The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (Diana Menhem & Abbas Ramadan) and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zahlé and the Bekaa (Said Gedeon & Gloria Hanna), for their support and contributions.
Disclaimer
This publication has been produced with the support of the European Commission. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of ANIMA Investment Network and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the views of the European Union”.
Copyright
© EuroMed@Change May 2013. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without express
authorisation. All rights reserved.
Table of contents
List of acronyms
ANIMA-MIPO: Mediterranean Foreign Direct
Investments and Partnerships announcements Observatory implemented and managed by ANIMA
CDR: Council for Development and Reconstruction
EU: European Union
FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization
FDI: Foreign Direct Investment
Ha: Hectare
IDAL: Investment Development Authority of Lebanon
MED 10 countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, Turkey
MoA: Ministry of Agriculture
MoET: Ministry of Economy and Trade
n.a.: not available
Table of contents
1. Mediterranean overview.....................................p.5
2. Market trends and opportunities.........................p.7
3. Foreign direct investments...............................p.13
4. Key players..................................................p.15
5. Recent national policies...............................p.19
6. Selected programmes and initiatives.................p.21
7. Major business events......................................p.23
.
© EuroMed@Change 2013 5
Mediterranean overview
An increased pressure which requires rapid
developments
Agri-food is one of the most strategic sectors in the
Mediterranean. The region is indeed facing a steady
rise in food needs as a direct consequence of the
rapid population growth and recent changes in
consumption patterns. If Turkey achieved a relative
self-sufficiency, the deficit continues to widen in the
other countries of the region (respectively 55% and
85% of food consumption was imported in 2011 in
Egypt and Lebanon for example), increasing their
dependence on volatile international markets. The
“Arab Spring” - which initially took the form of a
social unrest caused by a dramatic raise in food prices
- has highlighted the urgency of improving food
security as well as the necessity to achieve a more
integrated development of territories.
Stable investments trends
In light of the strong growth potential of
Mediterranean markets, foreign direct investment
(FDI) in agriculture and agro-industry has remained
relatively stable to date. 2011 was however a record
year, with major investments in Turkey (partial
acquisition of local brewer EFES by Britain’s SABMiller,
takeover of local alcoholic beverage producer Mey
Içki by TGP Capital) and large projects in Egypt
(Nestlé) and Morocco (Lesieur).
The sector is characterised by a predominance of
investments from multinational companies, mainly
European. Attracted by the size of the markets but
attached to their independence, the latter have so far
favoured traditional projects, either through the
establishment of local production facilities (dairy
products or biscuits in Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and
Turkey for France’s Danone, fruits and vegetables in
Tunisia for Spain’s SanLucar, vegetal oil or sugar in
Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey for Saudi Arabia’s
Savola, etc.) or through the take-over or the
acquisition of a controlling stake in local businesses
(Turkish confectionery brands Balaban and Dogan,
and leading Israeli firms Osem, Materna and Tivall for
Swiss Nestlé, Tunisia’s producer of vegetal oil and
margarine Gias Ingredient for German Dr. Oetker,
etc.).
However, the sector attracts more SMEs year after
year (+ 30% between 2010 and 2011) interested in
the opportunities presented by business partnerships
(commercial and technological). Last but not least,
the recent entry of investment funds into the market
(TGP Capital, Investcorp, APAX Partners, Riverside,
Global Emerging Markets, Actis, Capital trust)
highlights the strong potential for growth of the
sector.
FDI and partnership announcements in agri-food in the MED 10 countries (nb of projects, ANIMA-MIPO)
19
20
3834
2927
27
40
39
30
3 3 42
7
5 57
6 7
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Nb. of investments Nb of partnerships
FDI project announcements in the agri-food sector by MED country (total 2003-2012, ANIMA-MIPO)
84
65
40
3027
1621
10 63 1
TR MA EG TN AL IL SY JO LB LY PS
6 © EuroMed@Change 2013 6
Major assets and promising value chains to develop The Southern rim of the Mediterranean has important
strengths to shine in the agri-food sector, to start
with its excellent culinary reputation, Lebanon,
Morocco and Syria in the lead. The MED countries are
gradually increasing the value added of their agri-
food sectors by developing the processing industry
and packaging for export development. The recent
creation of agro-clusters (Morocco, Tunisia), including
laboratories and R&D centres, can support the
modernisation of production equipments and the
development of typical products (prickly pear, camel
milk, etc.). Finally, a number of niches with high
growth potential remain largely untapped. This is
notably the case of ingredients and processes
constituting the Mediterranean diet (horticulture,
vegetable oils, processed vegetables, dairy products,
aromatic and medicinal plants, etc.), of pre-cooked
meals or organic farming.
SOME USEFUL LINKS
Food Security in the Mediterranean: a major geostrategic issue (2010), IPEMED http://www.ipemed.coop/en/publications-r17/les-notes-
ipemed-c48/food-security-in-the-mediterranean-a-major-
geostrategic-issue-a183.html
Mediterra 2012: the Mediterranean diet for sustainable regional development (2012), CIHEAM - Presses de Sciences-Po http://www.ciheam.org/index.php/en/publications/medite
rra-2012
Mediterra 2010: Atlas of Mediterranean agriculture, food, fisheries and rural areas (2010), CIHEAM - Presses de Sciences-Po http://www.ciheam.org/index.php/en/publications/atlas-
mediterra
CIHEAM’s quarterly Watch Letters, devoted to major issues in Mediterranean food and agriculture http://www.ciheam.org/index.php/en/publications/watch-
letters
CIHEAM’s Briefing Notes http://www.ciheam.org/index.php/en/observatory/study-
and-monitoring/81-notes-dalerte
MORE USEFUL LINKS
CIHEAM’s Analytical Notes
http://www.ciheam.org/index.php/en/observatory/stu
dy-and-monitoring/analytical-notes
OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook
http://www.oecd.org/site/oecd-faoagriculturaloutlook/
Mediterranean Investment Map: sectoral guidebook
on public investment policies in the Mediterranean
(2010), ANIMA Investment Network
http://www.animaweb.org/uploads/bases/document/I
nv_MedInvestmentMap_ENG_Light_V2.pdf
Med opportunities: 25 niches markets in need of
investment (2009), ANIMA Investment Network
http://www.animaweb.org/uploads/bases/document/I
nv_25NicheOpportunities_ENWithCover_light_02-
2010.pdf
Overview of the agro-food sector in the Euro-
Mediterranean region (2005), ANIMA Investment
Network
http://www.animaweb.org/uploads/bases/document/
Agriculture_en.pdf
© EuroMed@Change 2013 7
Market trends and opportunities
A tremendous diversity, a growing demand
Considering the size of the country, the quantity and
variety of Lebanese agri-food products is impressive:
the climatic and geographic diversity of Lebanon have
granted the country different agro-ecosystems ranging
from semi-arid to humid. It therefore allows a large
number of resources to grow or flourish, from
temperate (grapes, fruits, cereals, etc.) to subtropical
crops (bananas, avocados, etc.). In a generally dry
region, Lebanon also benefits from a relatively
favourable position in terms of water resources and
rainfall: 40 major streams cross the country and rain
water reaches 661 mm on average per year.
The Lebanese market is expanding very fast: the
registered annual increase in agri-food products
demand is ranging from 5% for agricultural products
to 25-30% for bovine meat. Yet, the current local
production is not able to meet the demand: in 2012,
Lebanon was importing almost 85% of its food
consumption. The persistent dependence on imports
signals that the local market is far from being
saturated.
The increasing worldwide demand in agri-food
products also represents a major opportunity for
exports of local products. Endowed with a strategic
location between Europe and the Gulf, a variety of
food exports ranging from basic goods to finest food
wine and spirits, a climate that opens potential
markets for “out-of-season” fresh products, and a
global recognition in terms of quality and refinement
linked to the international reputation of the Lebanese
cuisine, the country has several strong cards to play.
The country’s relatively high production costs
(salaries, energy, transport), counterbalanced by the
quality of local resources and skills, suggest that the
country will find its most promising positioning as a
provider of high-end and upscale products for
Western (organic or out-of-season fruits, wine, nuts,
processed food) as much as for Arab and GCC
countries (chocolate, olive oil, juice, dairy products).
Agriculture and agro-industrial production in Lebanon
are based mainly on individual initiative under a liberal
and open economy. Little national regulation is
provided, although efforts have been made in the past
years to promote certification, boost exports and
enhance necessary infrastructures (irrigation,
agricultural roads, etc.). Consequently, the sector is
composed of a high percentage of family-owned and
small-scale establishments with a high concentration
of market share among a limited number of players:
the vast majority of local farming units possess less
than 1 ha, while 84% of food companies employ less
than 5 people. With an estimated 20-30% of the
population depending directly or indirectly on agri-
food, the development of the sector is of utmost
importance for the country’s wealth and stability.
LEBANON: KEY AGRICULTURE DATA
Cultivated land (source: Various)
Cultivable area 360,000 ha
Cultivated area 270,000 ha
Bekaa Valley 42%
Northern Lebanon 26%
Irrigated area 130,000 ha
Role in the economy (source: IDAL 2010, Eurostat 2009)
% of the GDP 4.7%
% of exports 4.2%
% of the workforce 6.2%
Production (source: IDAL 2010)
Total production value €1,3bn
Fruits 47%
Vegetables & other field crops 23%
Livestock Products 11%
Livestock 10%
Other 7%
Exports (source: Lebanese customs 2012)
Main exported products (share)
Fruits 60%
Potatoes 19%
Main destinations (share)
GCC (mainly KSA) 49%
Arab countries (mainly Syria) 42%
Other 9%
Farms & Workforce (source: MoA )
Number of farms (1999) 194,829
Women worker share 40%
People living of agriculture (est.) 20-30%
8 © EuroMed@Change 2013 8
Reviving agriculture: a challenging opportunity
One third of Lebanon’s land is cultivable, the highest
proportion of the Arab world. The geographic
diversity, from the Bekaa Valley to the Uplands or the
sea coast enables Lebanese farmers to grow a high
variety of products. The main agricultural productions
of Lebanon are fruits (mainly citrus, apples, grapes
and bananas), followed by tubers and vegetables.
Livestock has also been picking up in recent years,
with a meat production which has doubled since
1991. The country is today self-sufficient in poultry.
Despite the country’s potential and the fact that
agriculture is the direct source of income for a large
range of the population (20-30% according to the
Ministry of Agriculture), the sector still suffers from
decades of war destructions, under-investment, and
low government support (the budget of the MoA
represents less than 1% of the state expenditure).
The government therefore adopted a strategic plan in
2010 for the revival of the sector, with several
financial incentives, supported by international
donors, and new infrastructure projects managed by
the CDR.
Considering that the value per square meter is higher in Lebanon than in many nearby countries, the country can successfully position itself on up-scale fresh products. It is seeking to enlarge its “out-of-season” production and to introduce new valuable varieties of fruits such as kiwi, apple custard or truffles. High value fresh and processed
horticultural crops for domestic consumption and export are also an attractive segment offering profitable margins.
The organic market, though still a niche, has strong
growth potential. Local demand exists as illustrated
by the growing number of retailers and dedicated in-
shop organic corners in large supermarkets. Local
initiatives are developing, such as the Community
Support Agriculture Project. led by the American
University in Beirut. By encouraging consumers to
subscribe to a weekly basket of fresh products at a fix
price, the project guarantees a regular source of
revenue for farmers. However, the main driver of this
growth would have to found in an increasing
international demand: the sector is witnessing a 10%
and 20% growth in Europe and the United States
respectively, and the local production is not yet able
to meet the demand. France, though the second
largest wine-producing country, still imports 30% of
its organic wine to meet its domestic demand. IMC
Liban, the leading local certification body, recorded a
15% increase in organic certification in 2011, a
promising sign indicating that the opportunity is being
seized. Several projects and grants aimed at
supporting organic production in Lebanon have been
implemented by local or international actors in the
country since the mid 90s. Among others, three main
private initiatives are of particular interest. Following
a three-year project funded by USAID, the first
Lebanese cooperative for organic products has been
« Organic agriculture represents on average 1% of
worldwide cultivated lands, while in Lebanon it is
only 1‰: this single figure illustrates the huge potential for growth this segment has in Lebanon »
Mario Massoud, Biomass
are booming, and many foreign companies
attracted by the current reforms and planned
projects, are today entering the market”
Organic, 1402 ha, 59%
In conversion756 ha, 32%
Mixed,223 ha, 9%
IMC Liban ; 92%
Liban-Cert;8%
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Other
Fruits
Olives Vegetables Citrus Oilseeds Cereals Orne-
mental
Medicinal,
aromatics
*source ALOA, Presentation at the MOAN, 2010
LEBANON: ORGANIC MARKET
Organic production (total 240 ha)
Farm distribution (332) Organic certifications
LEBANON: ORGANIC MARKET
© EuroMed@Change 2013 9
created under the name of Biocoop Lubnan and its
Campagnia brand. The cooperative gave access to the
local and international market to around 160 farmers
spread in 61 villages. Unfortunately Biocoop Lubnan
stopped its activities in 2011. Second, Souk el
Tayyeb, the first local farmers’ market with an organic
corner created in 2004, has become so popular that it
has launched a spin-off restaurant and food festival.
Last but not least, the local organic product company
Biomass successfully developed its activities since its
creation and managed to complete a strong
investment partnership with French UNIBEL: the
French holding acquired in 2012 a strategic minority
stake in the Lebanese company to support the rapid
growth of its activities.
Agri-food, the country’s main industry
Agro-industry is the largest sub-segment of Lebanon’s
industrial sector: It generates 32.2% of the industrial
output and employs 20% of its workforce. The sector
shows good prospects: driven by an increasing local
consumption of manufactured products (+21% for
instance for processed food between 2009 and 2010),
the sector has registered a 8.9% growth since 2007.
Exports are also on the rise, growing at an average
annual rate of 7% since 2008, and this, despite the
turmoil in Syria, the country’s main client for agri-food
products.
Local investments are expanding, according to the
Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL),
thanks to an increasing global demand, the availability
of raw products as well as well-trained labour. Major
companies have established decades ago production
partnerships in the country, such as Heineken, General
Mills, Unilever, PepsiCo or Coca Cola. But some other
high-end segments still offer very promising
opportunities, at both local and international level.
Beverage, Wine, spirits & vinegar are definitely
one of them. With, by far, the largest share in
Lebanese exports (32.6%), the industry is propelled
forward by a thriving wine production. The
Lebanese wine is an export success: recognised at
global level with several international prizes awarded
at major wine fairs (Quebec’s Sélections Mondiales des
Vins; Bordeaux’ Vinalies Internationales, etc.), local
brands are being more and more distributed in
traditional wine-drinking countries (UK, France and the
US in the lead). Over 50% of the local production is
being exported, a percentage which can reach 90% for
small wineries. The sector expanded very fast, from 4
wineries in 1991, to 36 in 2012. The reputation of the
“big three” (Château Ksara, Kefraya and Musar) do not
shadow the quality of some other smaller productions,
such as El Ixir, partially bought in 2012 by the famous
businessman Carlos Ghosn, or the Domaine des
Tourelles, which was awarded 8 international medals
over the past five years. Acknowledging the growing
potential of the Lebanese wine business, the
government has formed in 2012, an inter-ministerial
“Wine Council”, in charge of establishing the long
BIOMASS: A FRIENDLY SERVICE THAT TURNS INTO A LEADING INDUSTRY
When the Massoud Family decided in 2007 to start a small organic egg production, to supply family and friends, they had no intention of setting up a business out of it. Six years later they are managing Biomass, the undisputed Lebanese organic food industry leader. With 60 employees, half a dozen suppliers in Europe and a network of 40 local farmers, Biomass is the main grower, producer and distributor of the local organic market.
“We have been growing at a 3 digits number trend a year”, states Mario Massoud, Commercial Director at Biomass, “with a strategy focused on both upgrading the quality and diversifying the local production”. Biomass today supplies the market with fruits & vegetables, eggs, olive oil, poultry meat, grains & pulses, and has set up in 2011 one of the only two Middle Eastern organic dairy factory. To achieve their objectives, the company had also to develop the whole organic value-chain, from production, processing and packaging, raising awareness among outsourcers on the specific need of the segment.
“Our market is both local and international: we are supplying the Gulf market with typical Lebanese products and out-of-season vegetables, and have recently broken into the European market”, details Mario.
This success has not escaped the attention of French UNIBEL, Holding company of Fromageries Bel the third global dairy leader in branded cheeses who has acquired 35.8% of Biomass in 2012 through a capital increase operation. “It was a perfect strategic match, we were looking to further develop our dairy industry, and they were looking to diversify onto the organic segment”.
Biomass has the ambition to become the regional organic product leader and to extend its markets and possibly its production facilities to other neighbouring countries.
10 © EuroMed@Change 2013
awaited Institute of Vine & Wine to regulate wineries’
operations, grape cultivation and to orchestrate
promotion campaigns.
Although not as well established as wine, the beer
industry is developing. The local per capita
consumption is estimated at 4-5 litres, and the
production reached 8.7 billion bottles in 2011. The
sector is dominated by long-standing Almaza brewery
(Almaza, Laziza & Amstel brands), in which Heineken
took a majority stake (79%) in 2002. A small brewery
entered the market in 2006 to break up the
company’s’ quasi-monopoly, with a “961”- branded
beer, which revealed itself a success, with foreseen
exports to the United States.
Olive oil exports are also expanding, despite a tough
regional competition from countries almost
exclusively turned towards the international market.
Olivetrade, an organic olive products brand has, for
instance, managed to tap international markets such
as France, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Canada or
Japan. Several projects aiming to sustain the industry
and raise the quality of its products are currently
being implemented through bilateral cooperation:
Spain is supporting producers in the South, while
Italy is helping establishing a national certification
laboratory specifically dedicated to olive oil.
Nuts and Confectionery production is another
promising market. According to Euro-monitor
International, confectionery and nuts consumption in
the Middle East was expected to grow by respectively
20% and 30% between 2010 and 2015. Thanks to a
specific local roasting technique, Lebanese nuts
have gained recognition on the international market
for their freshness and high quality, although most of
the raw material itself is grown abroad. Hamasni,
founded in 1880, is Lebanon’s oldest nut company,
and has been a training ground for most of the major
local businesses. Al Rifai’s success story is also a
good indication of the sector potential: the company,
which achieved of 50% turnover increase in 2011,
exports 50% of its production, has branches in most
GCC countries, Jordan and UK, and was partially
acquired by Qatar First Investment Bank in
September 2012 to support the extension of its
production and its access to new markets. Lebanese
chocolate has also managed to earn regional
recognition to the extent that countries such as Saudi
Arabia, Jordan or Egypt heavily consume Lebanese
products - despite their relatively high prices and
upscale positioning. Patchi’s worldwide success (145
outlets in 29 countries) indeed gave the industry a
push by increasing its popularity: the company which
invested in factories in Lebanon but also in Saudi
Arabia or Egypt is currently studying the opportunity
of going public, either on London or Dubai stock
exchange. Other brands, such as Souchet, Ethel or
Dandy also successfully serve the regional and
international market.
LEBANON: KEY AGRO-INDUSTRY DATA
Share in the economy (source: IDAL 2010)
% of the GDP 3%
% of exports 8.7%
% of the workforce 3%
% of industrial output 32.2%
% of industrial workforce 24.9% (20,607 p.)
% of industrial companies 18.2% (736 units)
Production structure (source: SILF2009; IDAL 2012)
Nb of units 4700
Nb of units (more than 4 employees) 716
Production (source: IDAL 2010)
Total production value €2.25bn
Dairy Products 67.9%
Bakery Products 30.2%
Geographical concentration
Mount Lebanon 34%
Bekaa 30%
North Lebanon 14%
South Lebanon 10%
Other (Beirut & Nabatiyeh) 8% & 4%
Exports (source: Lebanese customs 2012)
Main exported products (share)
Beverages, Spirits & Vinegar 32.2%
Fruits, Vegetables & Nuts 17.7%
Main destinations (share)
Arab countries 42%
GCC 24.2 %
Western Europe 6.6%
© EuroMed@Change 2013 11
Investment opportunities in irrigation
According to the CDR, agriculture consumes 64% of
the available water resources. The growing water
demand in the coming years will require a number of
infrastructure investments, such as the construction
of water storage facilities, dams and lakes, or the
rehabilitation and modernisation of surface and
ground water facilities. Rationalising and regulating
water consumption is also high on the agenda. A
government led pilot project has indeed highlighted
that the implementation of water-efficient agricultural
technologies would enable to save up to 50% of the
current consumption. The local market is still
untapped and a number of projects are planned by
the CDR, such as the construction of small- and
medium-size lakes in hilly areas (extension of an
IFAD-EU project), the rehabilitation of agricultural
roads (tender under preparation) or the continuation
of canal 800 project (tenders yet to come).
Up-coming infrastructure projects in Agriculture & irrigation (Source: CDR Progress report, Oct 2012)
INNOVATIVE HYDROPONIC SUNLESS FARMS
Food poisoning can have unexpectedly powerful effects when a serial entrepreneur is directly affected. Determined to grow cleaner products for his own consumption after having faced one of these quite common misadventures, Roy Debbas has ended up developing a new technology for the production of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs under a fully controlled climate environment.
Eco Industries is indeed a pioneer in hydroponic farming, with the introduction of full environment control through artificial lighting. “Hydroponic farming has tremendous advantages, especially in countries facing extreme weather or water and agricultural land scarcity: it allows a continuous all-year supply of fresh products, with limited water and land use. However current systems used in warehouses do not totally address the problems linked to climate changes and, in our region, to strong sunshine” explains Roy Debbas, its founder. By creating a totally isolated environment (production can even be done underground), Eco Industries can guarantee a 100% organic and pesticide-free products as well as a crop growth increased by 30% comparing to other hydroponic cultivation. Space saving is also a major asset as “the production of 2,000 lettuce a day only requires 100 sqm comparing to 6,000 sqm in traditional agriculture”.
Two years of researches in laboratory have been necessary to build the pilot “Hub”, designed to look like an eco-friendly chalet and grow the first batch of vegetables, which were well received by Lebanese consumers. Eco Industries is now starting to market its technology and already signed partnerships with two major companies from the Gulf. “Our expansion strategy relies on JV agreements, under which we bring the technology, manage the production and grant the product with our brand name” details Roy.
As a next phase Eco Industries is planning to supply its hubs with renewable energy installations, a necessary step to expand in markets with higher energy production costs.
© EuroMed@Change 2013 13
Foreign Direct Investments
A boom in niche agri-food markets in 2012 2012 has been a record year for foreign investment in
the agri-food sector in Lebanon: while only 1 FDI
project was detected by the ANIMA-MIPO
Observatory between 2003 and 2011, no less than 5
foreign investors declared investment plans in 2012.
All 5 projects were announced in sectors of
highvalue-added: confectionery, organic dairy
products and wine.
3 projects were led by Qatar First Investment Bank:
the group acquired a 35% stake in Al Rifai, a famous
nuts and speciality sweet company, enabling it to
invest in a coffee factory in Mkalles and 2 new stores
in Baabda and Naccache. Another FDI project was
announced by French company Bel, a global leader in
processed cheese, and the number one cheese
spread producer in France and the rest of Europe.
The manufacturer bought 35.8% of Biomass, a local
company established in 2009 which launched an
organic dairy factory in Qab Elias in 2011. Finally, the
French Lebanese Brazilian Chairman and CEO of
Renault-Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, invested in Ixsir, a
winery established at the end of 2008 and which
released its first wine in 2011 in Basbina, a
mountainous area above Batroun, North Lebanon.
The company aims at producing quality wine from six
different hilly vineyards in Jezzine, Niha, Kib Elias,
Deir El Ahmar, Ainata and Batroun.
A domestic market offering opportunities for foreign producers and retailers Lebanon imports a great diversity of food products,
which represent more than three quarters of its food
consumption. According to the Lebanese Customs
and Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade, the top
10 products imported in 2009 were live bovine
animals, cheese, meat, wheat, sugar, maize, food
preparations, milk powder, sheep and coffee.
Several commercial partnerships and distribution
agreements have hence been detected by the ANIMA
MIPO Observatory, especially in the field of high-end
and quality food items. Among the most recent deals,
Produit en Bretagne, a French business network
promoting made in Brittany products, inked a deal
with local supermarket chain Bou Khalil to sell its
products in Lebanon. The world leader in coffee
machines and coffee maker technology Nespresso
also opened two stores in the country over the past
years through its exclusive distributor in Lebanon
since 2000, the local company Dima.
Lebanon: FDI and partnership projects announce-
ments in the agri-food sector (ANIMA-MIPO)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
2
4
6
8
10
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Invested amounts (€m) Number of FDI projects
Number of partnerships
Lebanon: Main investors in the agri-food sector (in
number of FDI projects, ANIMA-MIPO)
3
1 1 1
0
1
2
3
4
Qatar Syria Brazil France
14 © EuroMed@Change 2013
FDI announcements in the agri-food sector in Lebanon (2003-2012, ANIMA-MIPO)
Selected partnership announcements in agri-food r in Lebanon (2003-2012, ANIMA-MIPO)
Investor Origin Date Type Project
Tabourian Syria 2005
JV, partial
acquisition The firm buys Sannine Mineral Water for 11.5 million USD
Carlos Ghosn Brazil 2012
JV, partial
acquisition
The businessman, current CEO of Renault-Nissan, to invest in Lebanese
winery El Ixir as a sleeping partner
Qatar First Investment
Bank Qatar 2012 Greenfield
Al Rifai, the nuts manufacturer partially-owned by the bank (35%), to
open a coffee factory in Mkalles and two retail outlets
Qatar First Investment
Bank Qatar 2012
JV, partial
acquisition
The investment bank to increase from 15 to 35% its stake in the
Lebanese nut producer Al Rifaï in order to support its high growth
Bel France 2012
JV, partial
acquisition
The cheese maker to acquire 35.8% of Biomass, a company
established in 2009 and producing organic fruits, vegetables, dairy
products and grains
Qatar First Investment
Bank Qatar 2012
JV, partial
acquisition
The investment bank to acquire 15% of the Lebanese nut producer Al
Rifaï International
Investor Origin Date Type Project
Habanos Cuba 2005
Commercial
partnership
Creation of a joint-venture with the Zeidan group to commercialise cigars
in Europe, Asia and Middle East
Arla Foods Denmark 2005
Commercial
partnership
Creation of a joint-venture to commercialise its products which local
production will be multiplied by 2 over the next 5 years
Nestlé
Switzerlan
d 2008
Franchise,
shop,
Nespresso, the group's famous coffee brand, to open a first boutique in
the Dbayé ABC mall in Beirut thanks to its local exclusive distributor Dima
Compagnie
Française de
Restauration France 2010
Franchise,
shop, etc.
Joel Robuchon's group to open its first Lebanese wine cellar in the new
Souks of Beirut through a franchise agreement with the local Fawaz
Holding
Nestlé
Switzerlan
d 2011
Franchise,
shop, etc.
The coffee brand of the group, Nespresso, to open a second boutique in
Beirut with the support of its exclusive distributor Dima
Produit en
Bretagne France 2012
Produit en
Bretagne
The Breton product brand to ink an agreement with local supermarket
chain Bou Khali to sell its products in Lebanon
Lebanon: FDI and partnership announcements in the agri-food sector (2003-2013, Source ANIMA-MIPO)
© EuroMed@Change 2013 15
Key players
Regulation
Regulation related to agri-food in Lebanon is shared
between four ministries. The Ministry of
Agriculture (MoA) is responsible for implementing
national strategies related to agriculture policies. It is
represented at local level by regional centres and
offices. The Ministry of Water and Energy (MEW),
is involved in defining Lebanon water strategy, and
consequently irrigation systems and projects. Agro-
industry is placed under the responsibility of the
Ministry of Industry, while export and import
regulation (including issues related to certification of
agri-food products) is managed by the Ministry of
Economy and Trade (MoET).
Federation and professional associations
Lebanon’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry are
also covering agriculture. They in fact gather the
large majority of agro-industrial companies as
registration is compulsory to be granted a distribution
licence. With dedicated departments, experts, and
laboratories, the Chambers are active in providing
support to professionals (training, accreditation, R&D
facilities) and interacting with government-related
institutions on governance issues (laws, regulations,
etc.). The federation of CCIAs has also set up an
agricultural committee to ensure national
coordination.
A number of specialised associations have also been
created to gather professionals from very specific
sub-segments of the agri-food sector (organic
products, olive, poultry, spirits, frozen meat, etc.).
However, most of these associations do not have
regular activities or extended visibility. Nevertheless,
some active organisations are making attempts to
gain an international outreach: it is the case of the
Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries (SLFI), which
closely coordinates with IDAL’s AgriMAP programme
to attend international fair or of the Union Viticole du
Liban (UVL) who launched in website to promote
Lebanese wine at international level.
Certification
LIBNOR is the agency in charge of national standards.
As quality standards in Lebanon are still applied on
voluntary basis, most importers or organic food
producers have to request certification from public or
private certification bodies. Among them, LibanCert, a
certification body supported by Swiss cooperation and
IMC, an Italian body with a local subsidiary hold the
lion’s share in the field of organic production.
LibanCert has been the first Lebanese organic
inspection and certification body to be recognised in
2011 by the European Union (List of Organic
inspection and certification bodies operating in third
countries), while IMC’s certification, thanks to new
global agreement between IMC Bari and a number of
other national certification bodies is recognised in an
increasing number of countries.
Innovation players
A number of centres are leading researches related to
organic production, biotechnologies and other
agriculture related projects. The Lebanese
Agricultural Research Institute is also conducting
researches in several fields, through 8 experimental
stations spread across the territory. In terms of
innovation support, a project to establish an Agripole
in the Bekaa and support the incubation and growth
of agri-food SMEs has been announced, and then put
on hold. It is not excluded that it might be brought
back onto the agenda in the coming years.
Training
Lebanon can count on 8 agricultural schools, which
provide the sector with qualified workforce. The
country’s first agri-food vocational school, located in
the Bekaa (Qab Elias), has in addition opened its
doors to 1,000 students in 2013: supported by a €5m
grant from the EU, it will be supplied with advanced
laboratories and up-to-date food processing
equipments.
16 © EuroMed@Change 2013
Government & Governmental bodies
Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) The MoA is in charge of setting up and enforcing agricultural policies and strategies. It is represented by regional centres and offices in each region.
www.agriculture.gov.lb
Ministry of Industry (MoI) The MoI is in charge of setting up and enforcing the country’s industrial policies and strategies, including those targeting the agro-industrial sector.
www.industry.gov.lb
Ministry of Economy & Trade (MoET)
The MoET is in charge of enforcing the various laws and plays a critical role in import/export regulation. www.economy.gov.lb
Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR)
The CDR is in charge of planning the country’s economic infrastructure. It is involved in agriculture and water infrastructure. Several tenders were launched in the past years, and others are to come (irrigation, agricultural roads, dam construction, etc.).
www.cdr.gov.lb
Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL)
IDAL is Lebanon’s investment promotion agency, acting as a one-stop-shop for investors and providing incentives for the development of key sectors, including agriculture and agri-food. It also manages the Agri PLus and AgroMAP programmes to support agri-food exports.
www.idal.com.lb
Lebanese Observatory for Agricultural Development (L.O.A.D)
LOAD, a structure linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, compiles Information related to the agricultural and rural sector. It supports the formulation, follow-up, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural development programs and projects.
www.loadleb.org
Standards Institution (LIBNOR) LIBNOR is the authority issuing, publishing and amending national standards. www.libnor.org
Main Business Federations & Associations
Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (CCIAs)
Four regional Chambers cover the Lebanese territory: the CCIAs of Beirut & Mount Lebanon, Zahlé & Bekaa, Tripoli & Northern Lebanon, Saida & South Lebanon. Each Chamber has its own agricultural department, constituted of full time specialized experts or engineers. It provides services to agricultural stakeholders, mainly technical advice on production and marketing issues, preparation of bankable files, market access requirements and quality norms, contact details of importers and exporters of agricultural products.
www.ccib.org.lb
www.cciaz.org.lb
www.cciat.org.lb
www.ccias.org.lb
Agriculture Committee of CCI’s' Federation
Composed of the presidents, experts and members of the regional CCIAs, the federation’s committee ensure the coordination between regional CCIAs on national agricultural issues. It conducts promotional campaigns, trainings on key issues and takes part in the implementation of national projects.
www.cci-fed.org.lb
Association of Lebanese Industrialists
ALI is the main national association of manufacturing companies. www.ali.org.lb
Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industries (SLFI)
SLFI brings together 156 Lebanese agri-food industrialists. Its main missions are to strengthen the industry, raise production standards, establish cooperatives and execute projects in cooperation with local and international institutions.
www.slfi.org.lb
Syndicate of Agri-food Traders in Lebanon
The Syndicate gathers the major commodity traders in Lebanon. It has as a mission to liaise between agri-food traders and to improve information and regulations.
www.agrifood.org.lb
Union Viticole du Liban (UVL) The UVL was founded after Lebanon joined the Office International de la Vigne et du vin (OIV). The objective of the UVL is to consolidate and build on Lebanon’s image as a wine producing country.
www.winesfromlebanon.co.uk
© EuroMed@Change 2013 17
Other Lebanese sectoral syndicates
A number of professional associations targeting specific sub-segments have been created such as: the Bekaa Farmers' Syndicate, the Syndicate of Food Importers, the Syndicate of Poultry and Meat Traders, the Syndicate of Poultry Producers , Tthe Syndicate of inter-professional Lebanese olive oil producers (SILO), Tthe Syndicate of Exporters & Importers of Frozen Meat, Fish & Vegetables in Lebanon, the Syndicate of Spirits and Wine producers, the Syndicate of Importers of Foodstuff, consumers products and drinks, or the Association for Lebanese Organic Agriculture.
Innovation players (incubators, research centres, etc.)
Agricultural Research Institute (LARI)
LARI (government organisation under the Minister of Agriculture) conducts applied and basic scientific research for the development of agricultural in Lebanon with eight experimental stations. LARI’s current cooperative research projects include 1) Olive propagation 2) Cereal and grain legume development 3) Pasture and fodder 4) Barley development programme 5) Male sterile insect technology for biological control.
www.lari.gov.lb
Industrial Research Institute (IRI)
IRI is the national institution in charge of industrial research and scientific testing. It investigates and disseminates information about available raw materials, provides testing and analysis services, grant certificates. It also operates 11 laboratories, including a laboratory for grain, flour and bread research.
http://www.iri.org.lb
American University of Beirut – Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (AUB–FAFS)
The AUB is managing 2 research centres in the field of agriculture: the Agricultural Research and Education Center (AREC) and the Environmental and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU), with on-going research projects on crop selection, conservation and improvement, integrated pest management, food safety, etc.
www.aub.edu.lb/fafs
Berytech Berytech is the first technological pole in Lebanon. It promotes the creation and development of new start-ups and the growth of existing high potential businesses through incubation, business support, counselling and company hosting in a dynamic and vibrant environment.
www.berytech.org
South Business Innovation Centre (SouthBIC)
SouthBIC is a business development centre established in South Lebanon. It offers incubation services to start-ups and SMEs as well as exhibition facilities.
www.southbic.org
Business Incubator Center – Tripoli (BIAT)
BIAT is business development centre, established in North Lebanon, which offers incubation, training and support services for SMEs.
www.biatcenter.org
Other SME support organisations
Euro-Lebanese Centre for Industrial Modernisation (ELCIM)
ELCIM offers services and activities to support SME development, including issues related to quality management and certification.
www.elcim-lb.org
Kafalat Kafalat is a financial company with a public concern that assists SMEs to access commercial bank funding, by providing loan guarantees. It manages the CARD scheme, specifically dedicated to agricultural SMEs.
www.kafalat.com.lb
Useful directories ( private companies)
Certification bodies in Lebanon: www.standards.org/certification_bodies/country/category/lebanon
Lebanese olive oil companies www.lebaneseoliveoil.com/IndustryContacts.htm
SLFI members’ directory www.slfi.org.lb/members.asp
Agro services Companies www.lebweb.com/dir/lebanon-agriculture
IDAL’s list of Lebanese agricultural exporters
www.idal.com.lb/en/sectors_in_focus/agriculture
© EuroMed@Change 2013 19
Recent national policies
The 2010-2014 Plan and funding schemes
Agriculture in Lebanon has greatly suffered from war
destructions and years of low investments. The
budget of the Ministry of Agriculture has for a long
time accounted for less than 1% of the State
Expenditure, leading to vulnerable social conditions
and increased trade deficit. To address the issue, the
Ministry of Agriculture has launched in 2010, with the
financial support of international donors, a strategic
plan for the revival of the sector. The ministry’s
budget was doubled, 200 staffs were hired and 28
agricultural centres established across the country.
The plan also includes various funding scheme to
support production, access to finance and export
opportunities.
A production support funding scheme was
launched with a €10m budget by the MoA in 2010 to
increase cereal and vegetable production. In 2012,
another more important fund (€94m over 5 years)
has been set up to encourage fodder farming, with
objective of lowering livestock production costs and
up-scaling the quality of dairy products. A disaster
fund was also on the way in 2012 to provide
compensation to farmers suffering from losses caused
by natural disasters.
The Ministry negotiated advantageous loan conditions
(5% interest) with several banks to facilitate
farmers’ access to finance. The newly launched
(2013) CARD Scheme also allows Kafalat, the local
credit guarantee fund for SMEs, to increase the
percentage of guarantee it offers to farmers.
Supported by an €3.5m EU donation, the CARD
Scheme can now offer either small short-term loan
guarantees up to € 27,000 (Kafalat small agriculture)
or longer-term loan guarantees with extended grace
period for tree farming (Kafalat trees agriculture) at
an interest rate of 2% subsidised by the Central Bank.
The scheme is expected to benefit to 800 farmers in
the coming two years, and to 15 000 in the next 10
years.
Last but not least, the MoA has launched in 2011, in
partnership with IDAL, the Agri PLus programme, an
annual €15m export subsidy fund. Agri PLus
replaces and extends the former Export Plus
programme, with the objective of opening new
markets for Lebanese products: its targets, mainly
vegetable and fruit products, today include other
selected products such as olive oil, honey and
seedling. Besides subsidies, Agri PLus encourages
exporters to attend international exhibitions and to
improve quality, packaging and cooling standards.
The programme has contributed to increasing
agricultural exports by 8% in 2012, despite the Syrian
crisis.
Investments incentives for agri-food
Agriculture and agro-industry are among the priority
sectors of IDAL, the national investment promotion
agency, together with tourism, ICT and industry.
“Agri Plus has helped our company expand
its export to farther countries that we were
not able to reach alone. Also, it led us to
upgrade our post harvest processes and
invest in ISO 22000 and Global Gap. It
therefore generated significant
improvements in traceability and
structuring of our fresh product business.”
Sleiman Menassa,
General Manager, Debbane Freres
AGRI-FOOD FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Production Cereal & vegetable fund, fodder fund, natural disaster fund (planned)
Access to finance
Negotiated interest rates, Kafalat CARD scheme (for agriculture and tree farming)
Investment IDAL’s IPZ (Investment Project per Zone) and PDC (Package Deal Contract) schemes
Export Agri Plus programme, AgroMAP programme, custom duty incentives
« The solar loan made a real difference for
Kypros and the SWH market in general. We
managed to multiply our turnover by three
the year it was launched »
Samar Akar Maalouf, Kypros
« The solar loan made a real difference for
Kypros and the SWH market in general. We
managed to multiply our turnover by three
the year it was launched »
Samar Akar Maalouf, Kypros
FURTHER READING
Agriculture Fact Book, 2012, IDAL
Agriculture Investment Incentives, 2013, IDAL
Agrofood Fact Book, 2012, IDAL
Agrofood Investment Incentives, 2013, IDAL
AgriPlus Programme : annual report 2012, 2012, IDAL
Agricultural Infrastructure Progress report, 2012, CDR
20 © EuroMed@Change 2013
IDAL offers incentives to investors in the agri-food
sector, which vary according to the region. It includes
income tax and project dividend tax reduction for up
to 10 years, 100% exemption from land registration
fees and 50% reduction on work and construction
permits. Several other incentives are in addition
provided by other entities, such as custom duty
reductions on selected products. More generally,
Lebanese farms are exempted from income tax, wages
on agricultural labour from payroll taxes and all
agricultural products from VAT.
Trade regulations and incentives
Lebanese, although still in the process of accession to
WTO, has signed several bilateral free trade
agreements (EU Association Agreement, EFTA, GAFTA,
etc.). In general, prices on imported goods are subject
to custom fees and a 10% VAT rate. However specific
incentives are applied to encourage agri-food trade:
Tariffs on agri-food items not available in Lebanon
(raw material, semi-finished products, etc.) have
been either abolished or vary from 5 to 20%;
Equipment and raw material imported for the
agricultural sector are subject to a 2% custom
duty only;
Agro-industrial companies benefit from a 50% tax
on tariff duties at export;
Machinery equipment, spare parts and building
material are subject to only 2% fees for setting up
new facilities.
Unlike some other countries in the region, labelling on
agri-food products do not have to be in Arabic and
there are no restrictions on imports of alcoholic
beverage or other non-halal products
Certification, a work in progress
Quality standards in Lebanon are still applied on
voluntary basis, although food safety is high on the
government’s agenda: the MoA has indeed recently
embarked, together with the FAO and the EU (Qualeb
III programme), on updating the legal and regulatory
framework to comply with international requirements
for food production, distribution, import, export and
seed use. It is also striving to control pesticide use, as
it announced in late 2012 that it was offering, as a
pilot programme, free test on chemical residues and
health certificates for exporters. Besides, the Syndicate
of Food Industries has signed in early 2013 a
cooperation protocol with MoET to support, train, and
qualify 20 foodstuff manufacturers to earn the quality
management system certificate ISO 22000.
CCIA FOOD QUALITY CENTRES
Lebanon’s Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture have established, with the support of USAID, Food Quality Centres to provide farmers and agro-industrialists with support in R&D and quality monitoring.
The CCIA of Zahlé and the Bekaa, covering the highest proportion of Lebanon’s cultivated land, is one of them: its food laboratory and pilot plant provide testing support for various food and agriculture industries, including microbiology researches and ISO certifications.
«We have been supporting in the past years some 50 companies in their R&D process » says Gloria Hanna, responsible for the Centre’s pilot plant. The latest one, a mushroom grower looking for other prospects than his usual fresh vegetable clients, developed with the centre’s experts and equipment a new packing and conservation technique (in jars), and is now setting-up his own production facility. “We supported him in developing the idea as well as the process and we provided him with samples he could test on the market. The product was very well received in Lebanon and the Gulf, so he decided to go on investing” specifies Gloria. The centre is now working on testing an organic apple chips product.
The centre, which employs 5 full time experts, also collaborates with university students on R&D subjects.
© EuroMed@Change 2013 21
Selected on-going programmes & initiatives
Acc
ess
to
fin
ance
Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD)
Period: 2013-2018
Budget: €27.2m
Funding: USAID
Target/Opportunities: Technical assistance and training
Lead executing agency: Development Alternatives
Objectives: Provide technical assistance and related resources, such as
technical equipment, grants and loans for value chain financing, in order
to increase the competitiveness of selected value chains, to expand the
number of SMEs that can compete in selected markets and to increase the
gross value of products and services in local and export markets.
Information: www.dai.com
Credit for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD Scheme) Period: 2013-on-going
Budget: €3.5m
Funding: European Union
Target/Opportunities: Access to finance for SMEs
Lead executing agency: Kafalat
Objectives: Offer small short-term loan guarantees up to 35,000 USD (Kafalat
small agriculture) and longer-term loan guarantees with extended grace period for
tree farming (Kafalat trees agriculture) at an interest rate of 2% subsidised by the
Central Bank.
Information: www.kafalat.com.lb
Mar
ket
op
po
rtu
nit
ies Hilly Areas Sustainable Agricultural Development (HASAD)
Period: 2009-2015
Budget: €28m
Funding: IFAD, OFID, Spanish Trust Fund, Lebanese Government
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Agriculture
Target/Opportunities: Market opportunities and contracts
Objectives: Improve agricultural productivity in hilly areas by
constructing small and medium size harvesting infrastructure (hilly lakes,
reservoirs, terracing, stone retaining walls, irrigation networks) and
provide technical support to farmers (production, quality control,
marketing).
Information: www.ifad.org
Agriculture and Rural Development Programme (ARDP) Period: 2011-2015
Budget €14m
Funding: European Union
Target/Opportunities: Technical assistance & market opportunities
Lead executing agency: Ministry of agriculture (MoA)
Objectives: Enhance the performance of Lebanese agriculture by improving four
main components : guidance , infrastructure (Contribution to the IFAD project for
the construction of medium-sized lakes, support irrigation networks, of forest
nurseries), access to finance (CARD Scheme), and additional equipment to the
ministry
Information: www.agriculture.gov.lb
22 © EuroMed@Change 2013
Tech
nic
al a
ssis
tan
ce &
tra
inin
g Developing Horticulture to Access Impactful Markets & F2F project
Period: 2010-2015
Budget: €22,5m
Funding: USAID
Target/Opportunities: Technical assistance and training
Lead executing agency: ACDI/VOCA
Objectives: Support horticultural production, by strengthening the
technical capacity of Lebanon’s agricultural value chain actors, increasing
access to markets and market information, and introducing cost-efficient
technology. A component of the F2F project is dedicated to enhancing the
competitiveness of the small ruminant livestock industry.
Information: www.acdivoca.org
Wataneh
Period: on-going
Budget: n.a.
Funding: various
Target/Opportunities: Technical assistance and training
Lead executing agency: Arcenciel
Objectives: Offer solutions for farmers and food processors through
upgrading of farming systems, extension services, machinery services,
training sessions, quality control, laboratory tests, tasting panels. A
distribution network has also been set-up.
Information: www.wataneh.org
.
Tech
nic
al a
ssis
tan
ce &
tra
inin
g LACTIMED – Promoting Mediterranean Dairy Products
Period: 2012-2015
Budget: €4.8m
Funding: European Union / other
Target/Opportunities: Technical assistance, training, networking, BtoB
Lead executing agency: ANIMA and 11 partners (including CCIAZ)
Objectives: Foster the production and distribution of typical and innovative
dairy products in the Mediterranean by organising local value chains,
supporting producers in their development projects and creating new
markets for their products.
Information: www.lactimed.eu
L’OLIO DEL LIBANO
Period: 2009-2013
Budget: € 3,3 m
Funding: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Target/Opportunities: Technical assistance and training
Lead executing agency: CIHEAM-IAMB, MoA
Objectives: Support olive growers in increasing the quantity and improving
the quality of olives and olive oil, provide solutions toenvironmental
problems caused by olive oil mills by-products, support agricultural
cooperatives and assist in marketing and promotion of the olive oil industry.
Information: www.oliolibano.net
© EuroMed@Change 2013 23
Major business events
Leb
anes
e e
ven
ts
HORECA
Sector: Hospitaliy, Food and Beverage Industry
Number of editions: 20 editions (since 1994)
Organiser: Hospitality Services
Type: Conferences, competitions and Exhibition
Services: HORECA is the largest exhibition for the hospitality industry in
Lebanon and the Middle East. Established in 1994, it is the annual
business-meeting place for the hospitality & food service industries.
2012 participation*: 12,000 participants from 11 countries and over
380 national and international exhibitors.
Next event: 9-12 April 2013, Beirut (BIEL)
Information: www.horecashow.com
THE GARDEN SHOW
Sector: Gardening & farming
Number of editions: 10 editions
Organiser: Hospitality Services
Type: Conference and Exhibition
Services: Event featuring garden display, landscaping, plants and flowers, gardening
tools and accessories, outdoor furniture and equipment, garden decoration, traditional
food product market, handicrafts, ecotourism.
Expected 2013 participation*: 250 exhibitors and gathering visitors from Lebanon,
Syria, Jordan, and other countries.
Next event: 28 May-1st June 2013, Beirut (Beirut Hippodrome)
Information: the-gardenshow.com/
Fore
ign
eve
nts
wit
h
Leb
anes
e r
ep
rese
nta
tio
ns ANUGA (Cologne, Germany)
Sector: Food & retail
Frequency: Every two years
Organiser: Koelnmesse GmbH
Focus: Anuga is among the largest world food fair
including for retail trade and food service and
catering.
2011 participation*: 155,000 trade visitors from
180 countries
Next event: 5-9 October 2013
Information: www.anuga.com
SIAL (Paris, France)
Sector: Food
Frequency: Every two years
Organiser: COMEXPOSIUM, SOPEXA
Focus: SIAL is among the world’s largest food
exhibition, with several dedicated sections, competitions
and parallel events.
2012 participation*: 150,258 visitors from 200
countries (21 exhibitors from Lebanon)
Next event: 9-23 October 2014
Information: www.sialparis.com
GULFOOD(Dubai, UAE)
Sector: Food
Frequency: Annual
Organiser: Dubai World Trade Centre
Focus: Gulfood is a major regional trade show
for the exporter seeking new markets in the
Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
2012 participation*: 4,200 exhibitors (65
exhibitors from Lebanon)
Next event: 23- 27 February 2014
Information: www.gulfood.com
*organisers’ data
This guide is a Doing business toolkit dedicated to clusters, SMEs, or entrepreneurs
interested in developing business partnerships in the Agri-food sector in Lebanon. It
provides an overview of the main opportunities available for the private sector, as well as
concrete and useful data to those interested to go further.
It has been prepared by ANIMA Investment Network under the EuroMed@Change Project,
a Preparatory Action initiated by the European Parliament and implemented by the
European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry).
EuroMed@Change proposes new dynamics for SME and cluster internationalisation
between Europe and 4 targeted partner countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon. It
is managed by four organisations from across Europe (ANIMA Investment network as
Project leader, the European Business Innovation Centre Network, INNO AG and the
Fondation Sophia Antipolis as partners) and it coordinates with more than 45 associated
regional business, finance and innovation networks.