What we did: Case Story

Nestled in the heart of a Lebanese village, Sheghel Emeh (aka "My Mother’s Work") is more than a business; it’s a tribute to tradition and a testament to the power of home-cooked meals.

Nestled in the heart of a Lebanese village, Sheghel Emeh (aka "My Mother’s Work") is more than a business; it’s a tribute to tradition and a testament to the power of home-cooked meals.

Since 2018, Sheghel Emeh has been dedicated to growing the traditional Lebanese food sector by highlighting its cultural values and health benefits through handcrafted Mouneh (traditional Lebanese preserved foods). Specializing in fresh food and dried vegetables, Sheghel Emeh is rooted in the meals by Claude’s mother, the heart of the business.

Before joining the Developing Economic Empowerment and Protection (DEEP), Claude faced challenges securing equipment to scale production and improve efficiency. Lebanon’s economic crisis and political situation had driven up costs, making even small investments a struggle. Claude struggled to balance financial constraints, meeting growing demand with limited resources.

Claude first learned about the DEEP project through local networking events and social media. Through the project, he secured funding enabling him to purchase equipment, including and expand his team by hiring two women. This made Sheghel Emeh’s production process more efficient and serve a broader customer base while preserving the authenticity of their flavors. Sales grew, demand expanded, and Sheghel Emeh gained recognition in local markets.

"Now, I see a future where my brand reaches global markets. My mother’s cooking carries the essence of Lebanese tradition, and I want the world to experience its unique taste," Claude expressed.

As a part of the project, Claude strengthened his business management. He learned to navigate challenges, scale operations, and position Sheghel Emeh for long-term success.

Blending ancestral food preservation techniques with modern technology, Sheghel Emeh introduced dehydrated ready-to-cook meals, offering a convenient, nutritious fast-food option without compromising traditional flavors. Committed to food security, they continue to push boundaries in food innovation. In 2024, the efforts earned them the Horeca Innovation Award and recognition among the top five innovative companies at the Arab SME Summit in Doha, Qatar, the same year.

Near East and DOT Lebanon implemented the activities and the project was funded by the RDPP during the 2^nd phase of the programme.