Project's presentation and history.

TAQA Snacks is a bakery that produces vegan and GMO-free cookies, Maamoul, and natural date and cashew bars. TAQA was an artisan bakery where products sold at the farmer’s market by the founder Soumaya. After having done door to door sales for two years, the demand for the healthy product line grew in Lebanon. Among other investors, she decided to pitch to Fondation Diane to secure financing to grow the business. Today TAQA is the leading local healthy snacking brand in Lebanon and has started to expand in regional and international markets. 

        

How did the idea of a green business occur to you?

With a background in sociology & anthropology and secular economy, Soumaya is passionate about the devastating impact of industrial dairy and GMO cereal cultivation has on our planet and health. A big advocate of outdoor sports and healthy living, she started to make new products on an existing Arabic bread-making bakery in Tripoli. Today, TAQA is a stand-alone bakery that can be found on the shoreline of Anfeh, a coastal town in the North of Lebanon. With a background in sociology & anthropology and secular economy, Soumaya is passionate about the devastating impact of industrial dairy and GMO cereal cultivation has on our planet and health. A big advocate of outdoor sports and healthy living, she started to make new products on an existing Arabic bread-making bakery in Tripoli. Today, TAQA is a stand-alone bakery that can be found on the shoreline of Anfeh, a coastal town in the North of Lebanon. 

How did you become green entrepreneurs?

I think being a green entrepreneur came naturally to me, as I always inclined to sustainability and the mindset of “locality”. I wanted to create a local Lebanese brand that could compete with international brands in Lebanon. I wanted to build trust with Lebanese end consumers that our industry is not only capable but can also produce the quality that can compete internationally. 

How do you think green businesses can help Lebanon and its citizens?

I think it alerts and creates awareness in our economy. It allows individuals to think outside of the box; it recognizes that making a positive impact on the environment is as important as profitability. It is a business mindset that considers the impact of their decisions on the workers, customers, suppliers, and community, which in return generates greater good for our societies. 

How do you see the future of your business?

I aim to make TAQA an example of a company that uses the products as a tool to raise awareness of “locality” and “made in Lebanon”. To consume local products is the first stepping stone to creating a healthy economy. As a company that truly believes in nature and outdoor sports, we also aim to make TAQA a leading platform to combine physical feats, health, and environmental causes to create long-lasting awareness for our end consumers, like the Swim Traverse from Cyprus to Lebanon. 

Why did you choose to partner with Fondation Diane?

Fondation Diane’s vision of the” new” Lebanon and the unwavering deep commitment to Lebanon, is aligned with TAQA snacks.

Do you appreciate Fondation Diane, and why?

Fondation Diane not only gave a small and artisan bakery an opportunity to become the leading healthy snack pioneer by believing and supporting the culture of TAQA, but adds valuable feedback in board meetings and gatherings. 

Do you have a message for future entrepreneurs?

It’s ok if you don’t have the answers to everything. You will learn along the way; your mistakes will be your learning curves. Make sure to surround yourself with supportive friends and family.