Homemade production in Lebanon has become a solution for many, a source of income at a lower cost, selling a limited number of products as they hand produce them.
Today in Lebanon, there is a significant number of small-scale producers and it is increasing at a daily rate with the current economic crisis.
However, to reach a certain level of profitable exposure, most of these small-scale producers and home production starters required business and marketing expertise and also the time to dedicate to effectively promoting their products.
Here is where the Lebanese hub Al Mawsam was born to play that key role.
Al Mawsam was launched in February 2020 by Michel Feghali and Nicholas Gholam, initially as an online platform for small-scale producers who make local products such as food, cosmetics, crafts, and soap.
Al Mawsam shared with 961 that during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, people needed to order products to their homes, and a lot of businesses were forced to shut down so homemade products became a primary source of income.
With the economic crisis worsening by then, Al Mawsam platform continued selling products for a reasonable price, which was what people were looking for amidst the sky-rocketing prices in the market.
Soon, Al Mawsam became more than a marketplace, turning into a hub of support for small-scale local producers and making a high social impact.
Co-founder Michel Feghali told 961 that Al Mawsam is a hub where “producers are supported, as they focus on creating their products while Al Mawsam takes care of the business aspect.”
This includes the required professional services to boost the products, such as the business plan, marketing strategy, and branding.
Al Mawsam told 961 that they face daily obstacles such as the high cost of transportation, and the currency devaluation.
However, the hub persists in its social impact, generating income in foreign currency, via exports, for the local producers, who in turn could invest to produce more and grow their ventures.
They are also becoming more creative in their handcrafted production, and their sales are increasing significantly.
From jam, thyme, soap, and self-care products to coffee, snacks, spread, and more, these handcrafted Lebanese products are made accessible to all, now reaching a wider market and contributing to the local economy.
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