Problem Statement The USAID funded Farmer-to-Farmer Food Safety and Quality (F2F FSQ) program provides technical assistance to host organizations working in agriculture production and/or agro-processing focusing on food safety and quality through US volunteer experts, who travel to Lebanon to implement planned assignments. Although the main goal remains food safety and quality, the program has very limited capabilities to implement flexible assignments that represent a significant need and result in a noticeable impact. COVID-19 pandemic and the current Lebanese economic crisis led the program to start implementing flexible remote assignments that will benefit existing and new host organizations. During the challenging economic situation, the country is currently passing through, and the devaluation of the local currency against the US dollars, food industries are focusing on increasing their sales and expanding to international markets to maintain sustainability. In order to do so, companies need to upgrade their existing labels to be compliant with the international labeling and nutrition facts regulations. However, Lebanese industries are facing some difficulties in identifying the best practices regarding Labeling and Nutrition facts requirements. Thus, an expert is needed to assist businesses in reviewing and upgrading their labels to be compliant with the recent international regulations. Scope The host organization is aiming to upgrade their labels to be compliant with the recent regulations so they can start exporting to new markets such as the US and Canada. However, given the somewhat scattered nature of the data, and the lack of the host’s experience in such requirements, companies still requires assistance on the nutrition facts and labeling requirements. The host organization requires assistance in identifying the best Nutrition facts and labeling practices for their products Thus, the host is requesting assistance from a US labeling expert to go over their labels for export to be compliant with the updated and most recent regulations for the US and Canada markets. Once achieved, the host will be able to export to the United States and Canada and increase their sales. Objectives and Outcomes Objectives: - Be well-prepared for export to the US and Canada.
- Increase opportunities for new market channels
- Increase volume of units sold and host profitability
Outcomes: - Host organization products exported to international markets
- Host organization product marketability increased both locally and internationally
- Increased Sales and profitability
The company produces snacks in a gluten free facility, to eliminate any risk of contamination taking into consideration major intolerances and allergies. Those allergies include wheat and milk allergies with celiac disease and gluten intolerance being the owners’ main concern. The company currently produces products that are high in nutrients, low in fat, suitable for dieters and celiac patients as per the following: - Thyme Crackers
- Cinnamon Crackers
- Molasses Crackers
- Molasses and Ginger Crackers
- Coffee Crackers
- Dark Chocolate Crackers
- Anis Seeds Biscuits
- Cranberry Biscuits
- Vanilla Biscuits
- Olive Sticks
- Thyme Sticks
- Sponge Cake Ready Mix- Chocolate
- Sponge Cake Ready Mix- Vanilla
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