Quality and Challenges Lebanese AgroFood Sector

1
Quality and ChallengesLebanese Agro-Food Sector

• Arab Quality and Food Safety Conference
• Place Beirut
• 
  Date 15 June 2006

2
Lebanese Industrialists

• Strong belief in importance of quality and
  quality systems
• Strive for adoption/implementation of quality
  systems and standards
• Acknowledge need for better consistency
• Reliance on export markets and meeting consumer
  demands for higher product quality
• Facing challenges head on

3
Definition

• Common definitions of the term Quality
• Reduction of variability or compliance with specs
• ISO degree to which a set of inherent
  characteristics fulfils requirements
• Products or services that meet or exceed
  customers expectations
• There is a two dimensional model of quality
• Must-be quality
• Attractive quality

4
Challenges

• Globalization and need for exportation
• Complex international regulations
• Mandatory HACCP requirements
• Labeling and packaging requirements
• Faster promulgation of standards and Regulations

5
Challenges-Contd

• Traceability requirements
• Technological advances
• Stringent customer requirements/specifications
• Service delivery and turn around time (effective
  and efficient supply of requested information)

6
Short-Term Implications

• Financial
• Need to upgrade facilities and equipment to meet
  stricter standards
• Invest in better caliber staff
• Adopt automation and computerized systems
• Human Resources
• Reduce gap in educational background between
  middle management and supervisory level
• Training of staff and personnel
• brain drain or talent drain of skilled
  workers due to poor economic conditions
• Time Implications
• Adjustment periods to new quality standards
• Downtime or inefficiency during training periods

7
Benefits and Conclusion

• 6 ? example
• Significant cost reductions
• Lower wastage
• Fewer product refusals and recalls
• Lesser product rework
• Improved consumer satisfaction and loyalty
• Improved brand image
• Economic growth