Food exports grows 12% annually and industry is present in two international fairs

The CEO of Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL), Nabil Itani, noted that food exports constituted 13.7% of total industrial exports in 2013 and increased annually by more than 12% between 2008 and 2013.  Itani confirmed that these data provide a strong indicator for the importance of food industry in the Lebanese economy to which it contributed 3% of total GDP.  He added that this sector benefits from significant untapped opportunities and is ready to grow further.  Itani was speaking during the opening of the Lebanese pavilion at the international food fair, SIAL, organized in France between 13 and 29 October, where 18 Lebanese food industries are participating and is showcasing jams, spices, coffee, grains, pickles and canned food.  The president of the Syndicate of Food Industrialists, Munir Bsat, noted for his part that the participation of Lebanon in the upcoming Gulf Food exhibition, which will be held in Dubai in 2015, will be one of the largest in the history of the country as the Lebanese pavilion will cover some 640 square meters and will host more than 45 exhibitors from the Lebanese food industry.
Source: Al-Diyar, Al-Nahar, Al-Mustaqbal 22 October 2014