The new era of ‘Made in Lebanon’

Lebanon’s economic collapse has forced a profound restructuring of the country’s marketplace and in the process, has breathed new life into its industrial sector. A new report from the Ministry of Economy shows how both producers and consumers have reshaped the landscape since 2019, reversing long-standing habits and opening the door to a new wave of local manufacturing.

Director General Mohammad Abou Haidar says the number of registered trademarks jumped from 3,500 in early 2021 to nearly 6,000 by 2024, a sign of accelerating industrial activity. Much of this growth is concentrated in the food, cleaning products, and household goods sectors, where new factories and brands have entered the market.

The shift is most visible inside supermarkets. Before the crisis, 90% of items on store shelves were imported while only 10% were produced locally. Today, that ratio has narrowed to 55% imported and 45% made in Lebanon, marking one of the most significant consumer-driven market realignments in decades. The food industry, in particular, has become the backbone of this rebound.

For manufacturers, the moment carries both promise and pressure.
Ramez Bou Nader, President of the Lebanese Food Industries Syndicate, says the sector’s expansion is the result of both capability and necessity.

“We produce all types of food products, even detergents, cleaning supplies, and disinfectants. Lebanese industry now covers a wide spectrum of goods; there is almost nothing we don’t make here. But prices must remain stable and quality must stay high. When you see new brands entering the market and new factories being built, it means there is demand, it means manufacturing has found traction and a consumer ready to buy it.”

Bou Nader’s assessment captures the broader trend: what began as a crisis-era fallback has become a permanent shift in consumer behavior. As purchasing power eroded, Lebanese shoppers initially turned to local products because imported goods became too costly or unavailable. Over time, however, this necessity evolved into confidence and eventually preference, especially as domestic brands improved consistency, presentation, and value.

The transformation is increasingly structural. “Made in Lebanon” has moved beyond a patriotic slogan and is now being driven by market logic: manufacturers are expanding their offerings, and consumers are rewarding local producers with their purchases.

In an economy still defined by volatility, the resurgence of “Made in Lebanon” stands out as a rare success story, one built not on government policy or foreign investment, but on the collective choices of Lebanese consumers who, through their everyday purchases, have helped revive an entire sector.