As part of its mission to foster innovation, strengthen SMEs, and transform Lebanon’s agri-food economy, the Food System Challenge (FSC) proudly took center stage at the inaugural PowerX Summit 2025. Over three powerful days, FSC convened changemakers from across sectors; policy, retail, development, and entrepreneurship, to address the gaps and opportunities within Lebanon’s food systems. Through panels, discussions, and a dedicated exhibitor showcase, FSC championed inclusive and sustainable growth in the agri-food sector.
Day 1: Bridging the Enabling Environment Gap
On the PowerX mainstage, FSC led a high-level panel discussion titled “Bridging the Enabling Environment Gap: Driving Local Production & Export Access.” Moderated by Jawad Bou Ghanem of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the session explored how Lebanon can realign its policies, infrastructure, and support systems to better serve local producers and unlock new export pathways.
The panel brought together leading voices from the public and private sectors, including representatives from LIBNOR, GIZ, Sea Sky Services, and WFP. Together, they discussed:
- The need for improved regulatory frameworks that align with international standards
- The importance of streamlined information systems to support traceability and market entry
- Gaps in access to finance that hinder the growth of agri-food businesses
- Practical reforms to reduce trade bottlenecks and support value-added production
To many, WFP is an organization primarily associated with large scale food distributions in contexts of emergencies, for example during conflicts or natural disasters. While such kind of interventions are important to address immediate crisis needs, WFP is also about working with partners and market actors to find pathways to join our efforts and together reduce food insecurity, making Lebanon and its people more resilient against potential future crises.
One of the biggest added values of WFP, is that WFP works in several areas concerning food insecurity, and therefore can leverage its multiple food security interventions to make linkages, and mutually reinforce the benefits of different programmes. We hope very much, that eventually WFP will no longer be needed in Lebanon. However, while we are here, we want to contribute to establishing food systems that link several market actors together in a sustainable way, so as to ensure that Lebanese food systems are able to meet the needs of their people in any scenario.
Anne Valand, Head of Programme at United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Lebanon
The session empowered Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), positioning the FSC as a key actor in enabling Lebanon’s economic transformation.
Day 2: Bridging Gaps Between Retailers and Local Producers
On the second day of the summit, the Food System Challenge hosted a fireside panel titled “WFP Partners and Retailers Collaboration,” spotlighting the dynamic relationships between retailers and local food producers. Moderated by George Narssis, Senior Business Advisor at Berytech, the session featured perspectives from Ghina Al Hallak (WFP), Jimmy Ghazzal (Le Charcutier), and Roula Sayegh (Natura Spoon).
The panel brought buyers and producers face-to-face to explore the real criteria and challenges shaping their partnerships. Speakers unpacked how retailers evaluate SMEs; considering pricing structures, payment terms, brand visibility, and supply consistency. Equally, producers shared their needs for success: flexibility in ordering, predictable demand, reliable distribution channels, and access to market intelligence.
The session also highlighted the role of development organizations in strengthening this ecosystem. Through tailored financing and capacity-building programs, WFP is actively bridging operational gaps, empowering SMEs to meet retail expectations and accelerate their path to market.
This dialogue emphasized that fostering mutual understanding, aligning incentives, and offering technical support are critical to building inclusive and scalable supply chains in Lebanon’s food sector.
Exhibition Highlights: SMEs in the Spotlight
Throughout the three-day summit, FSC hosted a vibrant exhibition booth featuring a curated selection of SMEs supported by the program. These businesses had the opportunity to showcase their products and innovations to over 4,500 attendees, including investors, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
The participating FSC-supported SMEs included:
Shegel Emmeh, YYRegen, Eshmoon, AgroFitt, Tsolers, The Good Thymes, Alfacotrade, Jawalco Trading, Najjar Foods, Beit Kanz, Robert Jabbour, Mills World, AgriDEV, NatBio, Del Libano, Natura Spoon, SEC-M Social Catering, and Bon Choix.
From regenerative agriculture and healthy snacks to advanced trading platforms and value-added food products, these businesses represent the resilience and creativity of Lebanon’s next-generation food entrepreneurs.
“PowerX provided an excellent platform for us to showcase our products and connect with the right audience. While the event wasn’t overcrowded, that worked in our favor—it gave us the space to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and truly highlight what we offer. The quality of connections made was far more valuable than quantity.” Ruba Fayad, Sales & Marketing Manager at Bon Choix Company
The Food System Challenge’s presence at PowerX Summit 2025 was more than a showcase; it was a call to action. By spotlighting key enablers, building bridges between sectors, and amplifying the voices of SMEs, FSC reinforced its commitment to a more inclusive, efficient, and export-ready agri-food economy in Lebanon.
About the Food System Challenge
The Food System Challenge is implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech, with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the United Nations World Food Programme.
