The journey started with St Vincent de Paul charity. Philippe Adaime, Samir Abdelmalak, Joanne Karkour, Gabriel Debbane and Jad Bitar, were led to Lebanese southern communities that were devastated by the 2006 war. Their first encounter was Ain Ebel women's agricultural cooperative that produced herbal teas, sesame seeds, sumac and zaatar. The support they provided to these resilient women became successful and encouraged them to extend the experience to other rural cooperatives across the country where serious support was needed. As a result of the growing demand and success, Fair Trade Lebanon, a grassroots non-profit organization, was born. Its main objective is to help Lebanese producers remain in their community and export their Lebanese gourmet food products.

“Terroirs du Liban is today the umbrella brand under which rural cooperatives and SMEs can develop their production and sustain their communities. The brand was created by Fair Trade Lebanon with passion and great appreciation for the authentic Lebanese gastronomy, the fine handmade food products and, their unique traditional and tasty recipes. What started with a single French client has turned out to be a beautiful success story with Lebanese gourmet products currently available in the most prestigious fine food groceries across France and Europe”. Philippe Adaime - CEO