#China #Beijing #UNESCO #Lee Kum Kee #culinary heritage

Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO Launch the Forever Flavors Project

Lee Kum Kee, a global leader in sauces and condiments, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with UNESCO to kick off the "Forever Flavors Project." This initiative aims to create a global archive of culinary memories, promoting intercultural dialogue and preserving culinary heritage for future generations.

Opening Ceremony in Beijing

On January 26, 2026, Lee Kum Kee held an opening ceremony in Beijing to celebrate the launch of the project. Key figures, including Simon Cao, Vice President of Global Brand Development at Lee Kum Kee, and Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, officiated the event. This partnership is set against a backdrop of shared values, particularly the importance of food in communal and cultural identity.

A Call for Culinary Stories

The Forever Flavors Project encourages global participation by inviting people to share their culinary stories and memories. From January 20, individuals can submit stories through social media platforms, including RedNote (Xiahongshu), Instagram, and WeChat. Stories can be shared in various formats, including text, video clips, or photos. Participants are encouraged to use the hashtags "#ForeverFlavorsProject" and "#忘不了的味道" (Unforgettable Flavors) to ensure their submissions are included in the initiative. Selected stories will be showcased on the UNESCO and Lee Kum Kee official platforms, with contributors receiving digital certificates that commemorate their contributions.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

The project addresses four key priorities: safeguarding culinary heritage, supporting young culinary talents, fostering intercultural dialogue, and engaging communities. This initiative aims to treasure timeless culinary memories that transcend geographical boundaries and promote a shared understanding of diverse cultures. Professor Shahbaz Khan expressed during the ceremony, "Food is a living heritage that cultivates memory, identity, and emotion. It connects generations and is a vital element in promoting cultural identity and sustainable development."

Leadership and Vision

Lee Kum Kee's commitment to culinary arts spans over 138 years, deeply rooted in Chinese traditions and practices. Daniel Shih, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Lee Kum Kee, remarked, "From a single spoon of oyster sauce to becoming a beloved condiment in households worldwide, we not only maintain flavors but also cultivate a sense of closeness and safety that embodies culinary memory."

The Role of Food in Intercultural Dialogue

Food serves as a bridge fostering understanding and friendship among cultures. Through this collaboration with UNESCO, Lee Kum Kee aims to leverage flavor as a universal language to advocate for intercultural dialogue applicable in daily life. The company invites everyone to participate in the Forever Flavors Project by sharing their unique stories and contributing to a global archive of culinary memories.

About Lee Kum Kee

Founded in 1888 by the Lee family, the sixth-generation Lee Kum Kee is committed to being the most trusted enterprise for a healthier and happier world for over a thousand years. The brand is renowned for its sauces and condiments that bring people together during joyful gatherings and memorable meals, inspiring creativity in kitchens around the globe.

About UNESCO

UNESCO was established in 1945 and strives to strengthen the bonds of humanity by promoting education, science, culture, and communication. Working with governments worldwide, UNESCO develops standards and legal instruments to address pressing contemporary challenges and contribute to building a more just and peaceful world.

For more details about the Forever Flavors Project and how to participate, visit foreverflavorsproject.lkk.com.