Lebanese industrialist Nicolas Abou Fayssal founded Gardenia Grain D’Or in 1989. Making sure to offer products that embody the essence and culinary excellence of Zahlé, he was able to turn his company into one of the largest food exporters in the Middle East.
Can you share insights into Gardenia’s success?
Gardenia Grain D’Or has consistently aimed to meet the growing demand for spices, grains, pickles, and extra virgin olive oil. From the outset, our mission has been to highlight the traditional ingredients and meals of Lebanon, ensuring their accessibility to the Lebanese diaspora. Over time, our brand’s portfolio has expanded to encompass vinegars, instant Lebanese mixtures, canned foods, and ready-to-eat meals.
What challenges does Gardenia face, and how is the company addressing them?
Gardenia encounters challenges primarily stemming from local policies, which pose difficulties in the export process. Additionally, the government’s struggle to transition our local system from import dependency to local production adds to the complexity of the situation.
Editor’s Note
Nicolas Abou Fayssal, Lebanese industrial born in Kfarzabad – Zahlé 1963.
Graduated from the faculty of Law at the Lebanese University in 1987.
Founded Gardenia Grain D’Or in 1989.
Currently, the CEO of Lebanese Company For Modern Food Industry S.A.R.L. and President of the Association of Bekaa Industrialists.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
