On April 2, 2025, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani signed a decree to establish the National Committee for Wine, Arak, and Alcoholic Beverages. The Committee, led by Louis Lahoud, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to strengthen Lebanon's wine and spirits industry and enhance its contribution to the national economy.

Wadih Skaff, Director of the School of Mediterranean Agricultural Engineering (ESIAM) at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), was appointed to the Committee, underscoring ESIAM’s vital role in supporting and advancing these industries.

The Committee is tasked with major responsibilities, including coordinating efforts to position Lebanese wine and spirits on the international stage, shaping national policies on the production of wine, arak, and other alcoholic beverages, and overseeing research in the field. It will also address issues related to fiscal policies, marketing, intellectual property rights, food safety, and social policies related to alcohol.

This initiative marks a significant strategic shift for Lebanon’s alcoholic beverage sector, aiming to revitalize the industry and expand its global reach.

Read also: L’ESIAM au cœur de la Commission nationale pour le vin, l’arak et les boissons alcoolisées