Tunisian Olive Oil Over New York

Time to drizzle a little 100% Tunisian olive oil over New York City. This Sunday marks the start of the Summer Fancy Food Show, and final preparations are being made for the Tunisia Pavilion in the international section, main floor Booth #1830 at the Javits Center.


The program to promote Tunisian olive oil to the US market that began last October, is definitely gaining traction. New retailers and distributors are gaining an appreciation of what 100% Tunisian olive oil can mean to their sales, and our Tunisian producers are getting a taste of what a tough market the US can be...especially in a high interest category like olive oil.


On hand at this year's edition of the Fancy Food Show, will be Chef Rafik Tlatli. Known by some as the Emeril of Tunisia, Chef Rafik will treat guests to traditional Tunisian cuisine with his unique fusion flair. Also at the booth will be Tunisian olive oil spokesperson Bill Sanders of CrushandPress.com, who will hold olive oil tastings and discuss the unique varietals and flavors of olive oil from Tunisia.


As the program continues, we'll be carrying our message about 100% Tunisian olive oil to consumers. Visit us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and look for 100% Tunisian olive oil at a grocer near you soon.

Tunisia: Work and Love

The week in Tunisia was a packed program and has gone by very quickly. The week began meeting with TACC members to discuss the US market, a trip to Hammamet for the first Tunisia Olive Oil Expo, and finished with a discussion of how best to promote the Tunisian textile industry with textile experts and members of CEPEX.



The Tunisia Olive Oil Expo in Hammamet was a wonderful experience. A colleague told me, "You're going to Hammamet in June? You are a lucky man,indeed." You were right, Slim. Not only were we ale to conduct business on behalf of our program to promote Tunisian olive oil to the US market, we experienced the incredible sea breezes and views from Hammamet.



Anyone who knows me is aware of my deep feelings for Tunisia, its people, culture, and history. And now, it seems whenever I visit Tunisia, I find new friends who know old friends, and my attachment to Tunisia grows. As always, I look forward to continuing the current projects, and seek new opportunities to share my love of Tunisia with my friends and colleagues in many industries in the US.

I'll return soon, insha'Allah.

Promoting Tunisia through TACC

Monday's round table meeting of the Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce provided great insights on promoting Tunisia and Tunisian products ranging from IT to art & handicrafts, to tourism, to agricultural products. Isabel Rioja-Scott, commercial attaché from the US Embassy in Tunis, shared her experience and insights into trade and offered guidance and support to Tunisian companies.

Our meeting was well attended provided for an interesting exchange of ideas about positioning Tunisia and Tunisian products and services. Mr Jerry Sorkin of TunisUSA talked about his experience in the travel and tourism industry, and promoting the rich historical and cultural experiences waiting for visitors to Tunisia. Mr. Samy Achour of Integrated Object talked about his company's success in dealing with some of the biggest names in the petroleum industry in the US. Sadika Keskes of SADIKA Verres Soufflés-Handicrafts showed how her unique, museum quality objects d'art are growing in recognition and reputation.



I used the opportunity to update participants about our project to promote Tunisian olive oil, and suggested our '100% Tunisian' theme might work well for other sectors, too.

There will be follow up conversations to develop 'next steps' based on the Q&A session that followed the presentations, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to support Tunisian companies as they increase their visibility on the US market stage.

My sincere thanks to TACC president Nazeh Ben Ammar, executive director Rafla Mrabet, development coordinator Chéma Gargouri for their invitation and support. I'd also like to thank Associate Dean Ms. Amina Zéghal of the Mediterranean School of Business for hosting the event. I look forward to taking the next steps of this adventure together.

Back in Tunisia

I arrived in Tunis again this afternoon, and was welcomed by warm summer breezes, lush vegetation, and Mme. Thabet of Packtec and my good friend Rym Bedoui Ayari. Some of my favorite words in the world are, "Welcome back to Tunisia."



I'm staying at the Hotel Acropole in Les Berges du Lac, a beautiful setting on the waterfront, filled with walkers, joggers and bikers, and spectacular walls of bougainvillea in every color imaginable.



Tomorrow morning, I'll participate in a round table conference on the American market at the Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce (TACC). It's been my great good fortune to work with this group in the past, and I was honored to be included in their panel for Monday. I look forward to sharing my experiences with Tunisian companies interested in entering the US market.



The rest of this day will be spent recovering from the trip here via Atlanta and Paris. After the TACC round table in the morning, its off to Hammamet to join old friends at the first Tunisia Olive Oil Expo. I'll post information on the opening ceremonies and recap the TACC round table as time permits. But it's great to be back!