The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa proudly reflects on the success of the Christmas Festival 2023: Agri-food Exhibition & Live Cooking Show, held at the Diplomatic Hall, CHTAURA PARK HOTEL on December 19th, 2023. This collaborative event was organized in partnership with Berytech, particularly through the ARYAF program, and under the shared commitment to community engagement and SME support in the Beqaa region.
Event Highlights:
- 350+ invitees were introduced to the best offerings from the Bekaa region. Attendees were treated to a sensory journey through the region’s culinary heritage, featuring farm-fresh produce and artisanal products that encapsulate the essence of the area.
- 27+ Small and Medium Enterprises powered by the ARYAF program during the Agri-food exhibition.
- 2+ talented chefs, took center stage demonstrated their skills in creating delectable dishes during the live cooking show. The live demonstrations provided a unique insight into the artistry and craftsmanship behind the region’s diverse gastronomic landscape.
The Christmas Festival 2023 played a pivotal role for the 27 Small and Medium Enterprises from the Bekaa region and other exhibitors, enabling not only exposure to a diverse audience of over 350 invitees but also the establishment of consumer trade relations through direct sales of their varied products. From dairy and cheese to pickles, grains, sauces and flavorings, frozen foods, and honeybee products from apiaries (pollen, royal jelly, beeswax), this diverse range underscores the festival’s impact in showcasing the richness and variety of the region’s culinary and agri-food expertise marking the festival as a pivotal moment in their journey.
The festival started with a welcome word from the head of the PR and Training at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa, Mrs. Maria Rizkallah, who welcomed the attendees and the supporters inviting them to a yearly collaboration. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and the success of the Christmas Festival 2023”, said Mrs. Rizkallah expressing gratitude for the community’s enthusiastic participation.
Mr. Samer Salamani, ARYAF Program Manager at Berytech, shared a few words about the participation in the festival. He highlighted that the real Christmas celebrations lie in the gatherings and the shared values that make up our community. He added that the ARYAF program has witnessed a lot of success in supporting small businesses within the rural areas and communities, particularly by creating job opportunities, empowering women and pushing for sustainability.
The festivities reached a crescendo with a live performance by Aline Lahoud and her band. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable musical experience, adding a melodic note to the overall celebration.
Participating Companies Powered By ARAYF:
- Adams Country Food.
- Al Marj Dairy.
- Alico’s Food
- Celine Homemade.
- Cibus Laboratoire
- Coara
- Crazy Farm
- Cuisine Nicole.
- Garden Herbal Tea
- Golden Jar
- Ishtar
- Judi Lebanon
- Konouz Al Khawabi
- Lebanese Zawada
- Libancave For Industry and Trading “Coteaux Du Liban”
- M P’tits fruits”
- Maha Mouneh
- Maison Zaidan.
- Melqart’s Forest
- Mounet Nmeir
- Najjar Mills
- Phoenix Food.
- Sultan Yaacoub Cooperative “3 Chefs”
- Tannoury Dairy
- Vinorganic SARL “Cave Abou Hanna”
About Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa
The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration. They empower businesses through strategic initiatives, networking, and advocacy, contributing to a prosperous future for Zahle and Bekaa.
About Berytech
Berytech is an ecosystem for entrepreneurs, providing a dynamic environment for the creation and development of startups and SMEs, fostering innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Lebanon. Since 2002, Berytech has assisted more than 4,200 entrepreneurs and helped create more than 3,400 job opportunities in Lebanon.
Berytech’s support falls under capacity building/networking, policy reform, startup and SME development, startup, and SME incubation, startup acceleration and incubation, student entrepreneurship development, technology transfer support, and women empowerment.
Berytech manages over 35 programs in agriculture and food, water, energy and food, clean technology, green entrepreneurship and circular economy, and social entrepreneurship, all involving ICT and innovation.
About ARYAF
The ARYAF program supports MSMEs in the sectors of food processing, local hospitality, tourism, restaurants, eco-tourism, and agri-tourism across the regions of Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. The program is committed to increasing sales volumes, implementing business continuity plans, and providing tailored training to staff, with a focus on empowering youth, women, and disabled individuals in rural areas.
The ARYAF program is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with Berytech, within the framework of the project Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities, and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE).
