Established in 2018, Niman is a producer of sauces, seasonings, and condiments. Over time, it has emerged as one of the leading domestic producers of garlic paste and hummus. The company’s journey began when it participated in the Agrytech accelerator program in Berytech. After successfully completing the program, Niman launched its business at full scale.
At the helm of the company is Nemer Mansour, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for promoting Lebanese specialty products worldwide. Niman’s flagship products include garlic dips, spreads, and a variety of hummus spreads.
Garlic Paste with Lebanese Garlic
Niman’s proposed project, as part of the Food System Challenge, aims to cultivate garlic locally at a reduced cost. By minimizing storage expenses, the project aims to facilitate easier and more affordable access to garlic throughout the year. This strategic initiative will enable the company to scale up faster. Additionally, the project aims to empower local farmers by encouraging sustainable garlic cultivation practices. It seeks to reduce reliance on imported garlic, primarily sourced from China, and establish a new paradigm of production in Lebanon.
Currently, Niman is experiencing a growth phase, expanding its operations, enhancing performance, and strengthening its position in the market. From selling just 200 units of garlic products in 2019, the company has seen a significant increase, with sales reaching up to 9,000 units in April 2022 alone.
Niman will be working with up to eight garlic farmers during high-production seasons. These farmers typically operate on a small scale, and the project will provide them with sustainable opportunities for growth. The low-income workers employed by garlic farmers will benefit from sustained employment and business continuity. Currently, these workers face challenges due to increased raw material costs.
The project ensures work and income sustainability for Niman’s existing 11 employees, and it will also create job opportunities for two new employees. The project will contribute to building capacity and supporting the company’s workforce.
The Food System Challenge
The Food System Challenge is implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech through support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The program’s main outcomes are enhanced food security, a well-functioning local food system, enhanced efficiency and resilience of cooperatives and SMEs working across different streams of the food systems, and increased employment opportunities, especially for women and vulnerable individuals.
