embassy highlights

Food show visitoes taste Lebanese cheese and olives...

With funding from the American people, more than 23 Lebanese companies showcased their products at the international Fancy Food Show in New York in July 2007. Participants included small, medium and large businesses, specializing in a wide range of products, from extra virgin olive oil, traditional Lebanese dairy products, honey, artisanal pastries and jams to pickles, spices and other niche Lebanese products. They made an estimated $745,000 in sales during the show and have the potential to generate more revenue in future contracts. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported Lebanese participation in the show for five years.
 
This activity is part of a larger $11.7 million program funded by USAID and carried out by SRI International and ACDI/VOCA. The program's goals are to help small Lebanese businesses compete in regional and international markets, access financial services and develop new niche products. USAID focuses on businesses in rural areas in order to expand jobs and income in those regions.