Lebanon
Lebanon - 3.5.1 Food Suppliers
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Overview

In Lebanon, where food should be available, there are obstacles for food manufacturers and retailers. The economy isn't steady because of economic and financial problems and political issues, which makes it tough for food producers to keep their prices reasonable. They also have trouble getting all the things they need to make food because the situation makes it hard to find ingredients. This makes it tricky for the people who sell food in large amounts (wholesalers) because they can't always get what they want. Even moving the food around using trucks and roads isn't working well anymore because things aren't being maintained properly. It's difficult, but even with all these problems, the people in the food industry are doing their best to keep Lebanon's food going despite the challenges this sector is facing,

At a wider level, the availability of various food commodities in Lebanon is influenced by both domestic production and international trade partnerships. In terms of ready-to-eat foods, these include a range of packaged and processed foods that cater to convenience. Importation of such products is substantial, with a mix of international sources being key trading partners.

Cereals, pulses, oil, and sugar form the core of dietary staples. Cereals like wheat and rice, along with pulses such as lentils and chickpeas, constitute significant dietary components. Oil, often derived from sources like olives and vegetables, is a crucial ingredient in Lebanese cuisine. The availability of these commodities is affected by domestic production capacities, which can be influenced by factors like weather and agriculture policies. Additionally, Lebanon may engage in international trade for these commodities to fulfil demand and manage supply shortages.

Live animals, meat, and dairy products play a central role in Lebanese cuisine. The local production of livestock, including poultry, sheep, and cattle, contributes to the availability of meat and dairy. However, fluctuations in these sectors are also subject to factors like disease outbreaks and environmental conditions. Imports might supplement domestic supply, especially for specific cuts and varieties not produced locally. Main trading partners for such imports could include neighbouring countries and larger international markets.

In the context of Lebanon's intricate food system, the availability of these commodities is intertwined with both domestic production capabilities and international trade dynamics. Challenges ranging from economic instability to supply chain disruptions can impact this delicate balance, ultimately affecting the accessibility of essential food items across national and district levels.

Retail Sector

The retail sector in Lebanon showcases a blend of both established local players and international retailers. While local retailers hold a significant presence, major regional and global retail chains have also entered the market, offering a diverse range of products to consumers. These retailers often have well-established relationships with national and regional wholesalers, facilitating the distribution of goods to their stores. Despite the challenges faced by Lebanon's economy, the retail sector has exhibited resilience, with established retailers demonstrating stability and continuing operations. While the country's economic environment may present hurdles, the retail sector does make use of credit systems to some extent, aiming to provide consumers with purchasing flexibility and support in the face of economic fluctuations. The coexistence of local and international retailers, coupled with stable retail operations and credit mechanisms, paints a complex picture of the retail landscape within the nation.

 

Types of Retailers Available

Type of Retailer

Rank

(1-5)

Supermarket – concentrates mainly in supplying a range of food, beverage, cleaning and sanitation products; have significant purchasing power; are often part of national/regional/global chains.

1

Convenience Store/Mini Market – medium sized shop; offers a more limited range of products than supermarkets; usually has good/stable purchasing power; may be part of chain or cooperative.

2

Permanent shop with strong supply capacity individually/family owned store; usually offers fewer commodities and a limited selection of brands; good storage and reliable supply options.

3

Permanent shop with limited supply capacity individually/family owned store; offers fewer commodities and a limited selection of brands; limited storage and unstable supply options.

4

Mobile Shop/Market Stand individually/family owned store; usually offers fewer commodities and a limited selection of brands; may be found at outdoor markets, camps or unstable environments.

5

 

Wholesale – Zein J. Harb S.A.L

 

Zein J.Harb was established in April 1999, they are a food supplier they are considered a retailer since they procure their goods from local and international markets, some of the products is ready to be distributed in the market such as canned food, and the other part is usually re-bagged in their premises. They have a local affiliation with a sister company called Alfa Interfood SAL, both are under the umbrella of Harb Holding International Company SAL.

 

Supplier Overview

Company Name

Zein J. Harb & Partners S.A.L

Address

Haret Hreik, Mouawad District, Nahle Bldg, Beirut Lebanon

Does the supplier have its own production/manufacturing capacity?

 

No, the supplier is only a wholesale retailer

Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?

 

No, the supplier is only a wholesaler, they only distribute to markets

Does the supplier have its own transport capacity?

Yes

Does the supplier have its own storage facilities?

Yes

Approximate Turnover in MT

 

90 MT Per Day

Payment Methods Accepted

Cash, Bank transfers.

Other Comments or Key Information

NA

 

Other Locations

Region(s)

Service Location(s)

Bekaa

Masnaa

 

 

Primary Goods / Commodities Available

Commodities by Type**

(SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title)

Comments

00 - Live animals (other than fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.)

No

Indicate in this column if goods are imported or produced/manufactured locally; any seasonal variations in stocks, or other limitations on availability.

01 - Meat and meat preparations

No

 

02 - Dairy products and birds’ eggs

No

 

03 - Fish (not marine mammals), crustaceans, molluscs…

No

 

04 - Cereals and cereal preparations

rice, flour, pasta.

imported

05 - Vegetables and fruit

No

 

06 - Sugars, sugar preparations and honey

sugars

Imported

07 - Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof

TEA

Imported

09 - Miscellaneous edible products and preparations

No

 

41 - Animal oils and fats

No

 

42/43 - Fixed vegetable fats and oils, crude, refined or fractionated

vegetable oil

Imported

 

 

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