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 Host organizations are aiming to upgrade their labels to be compliant with the US regulations so they can start exporting to the US. 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. Thus, host organizations are requesting assistance from a US labeling expert to go over their labels for export to be compliant with the updated and most recent regulations. Host organizations requires assistance in identifying the best labeling practices for the following products: - Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 500ml
- Aromatic Olive Oil (Basil, Chili, Lemon Zest, Roasted Garlic, Black Pepper): 250 ml
- Fleur de thym (Thyme and Zaatar): 125 g & 245 g
- Tapenade: 125g & 245 g
- Chia Crackers
- Chocolate Crackers
- Olive Crackers
- Thyme Crackers
Objectives and Outcomes Objectives: - Be well-prepared for export to the US market
- Secure new market channels
- Increase volume of units sold
Outcomes: - Increased export thus expanding the host organization markets
- Increased Sales
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