Opening of Horeca 20th food exhibition || Newspapers

The Horeca annual exhibition kicked off at Biel last Tuesday under the auspices of the current Minister of Tourism Mr. Fadi Abboud and with the presence of several ambassadors and public figures including heads of syndicates and civil society organisations as well as exhibitors in the event.  During the opening, the President of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, Mohammed Choucair, granted the executive director of Horeca, Joumana Dammous-Salameh, the armor plate of the union of chambers in recognition of her effective and unique contribution to the food and hospitality industry in Lebanon.  Salameh had announced that Horeca 2013 includes a special initiative in the form of a day for awareness raising on the Lebanese agro-industry with a focus on challenges and solutions for export.  This event is organised in cooperation with the syndicate of food industries in Lebanon.  Salameh also noted that the exhibition seeks to strengthen food production as a positive contribution rather than focusing on crisis.

Participation in the Horeca exhibition of this year does not seem to be negatively affected by the crisis in the region which is having its toll on tourism and hospitality.  In fact, the number of exhibitors increased from 50 in 1992 to 350 exhibitors in 2012 and 400 exhibitors in 2013 with the participation of many international exhibitors.

Industrial consultant Talal Hijazi noted that the Syrian crisis has actually benefited the Lebanese food industry (especially in terms of packaging) which has increased by 10 to 13% since the start of the crisis two years ago.  This is largely due to the demands created by the Syrian displaced for basic daily goods such as rice and sugar which are being purchased and distributed by international organisations or imported and packaged in Lebanon.   Hijazi warned however of this increase calling for a more sustainable economic growth.

Source: The daily star 11 April 2013